A SUFFOLK side are preparing for a national cup competition semi-final.

Needham Market’s Under-15 Junior Premier League team will be competing in the JPL National Cup competition against Junior Hoops FC on Saturday, kick off 11am.

The match against the visitors from Rossendale in Lancashire will be played at Bloomfields, home of Needham Market FC, on the Ruby Homes 3G Arena.

Entry to the match is for spectators to help support Needham Market FC into a national final.

Jason Curtis, Needham Market FC JPL U15 Manager said: “The JPL has been a breath of fresh air, offering us the opportunity to play against new teams and visit new grounds across the region.

“The players have conducted themselves really well and turned in quality performances on a weekly basis which they deserve huge credit for.

“The opportunity to take part in the JPL National Cup is the icing on the cake in what has been another stop-start season due to COVID and what a journey it’s been so far to reach the last four in the country. There have been no easy games and the players have had to dig deep at times to get the job done.

“I honestly cannot praise the players enough, the camaraderie is second to none. They all work exceptionally hard and are always willing to listen and learn and put into practice on the pitch.

“There is some incredible talent within the squad and I look forward to one day seeing how far they go in the game knowing that I have played a part in their development.

 “Everyone is eagerly awaiting the game on Saturday against Junior Hoops in the semi-final, where we are fortunate to have a home draw.

“Not knowing much about them will help us really concentrate on our game and look to impose it on them. We’ll be well supported by all at Needham Market for sure so we hope we can get over this last hurdle to do the club proud.”

Robert Peace, Needham Market FC Academy Director, said: “This is a fantastic achievement for the club, the players, management team and all the parents who support them.

“It is fantastic for us to be flying the flag for Suffolk and hopefully reach a national final. The players and management team should be very proud of their achievements to date and hopefully it will get better with a victory this Saturday.”

The final of the JPL National Cup will be played on Saturday, June 26th at Gloucester City AFC with the other semi-finalists being Oakwood FC and Henley Lions FC Blues.