NORWICH City's Under-16s will compete with Ipswich Town for the Ipswich Hospital Cup in a one-off game on Thursday April 30 (7pm).

The Ipswich Hospital Cup, along with the Norfolk & Norwich Hospital Cup, hasn't been contested for over 20 years but will be up for grabs at Portman Road.

Historically, the two clubs' first-team squads competed for each trophy but this year the region's next generation of footballers will go head-to-head, with proceeds from the match going to East Anglia's Children's Hospices (EACH).

The last Ipswich Hospital Cup game saw Ipswich and the Canaries share the honours with a 1-1 draw in 1990 but after a 25-year absence, the competition is back.

"The Hospital Cup plays an important part in East Anglian football heritage and the chance to resurrect the trophy and raise money for such a worthwhile cause was one we couldn’t turn down," said City's Academy Manager Gregg Broughton.

"With crowds of over 8,000 a regular occurrence at our U21 games at Carrow Road, making the Hospital Cup an U16 event gives this age group great experience of playing in front of a crowd as they prepare to join the Club full-time in July.

"We'd like to thank Ipswich Town for organising the event and we look forward to our visit to Portman Road next month, and we hope supporters of both Clubs can turn out in force to support the players and help raise funds."

Camilla Haycock, EACH Suffolk Partnerships Manager, added: “East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices are delighted to be working with the Ipswich Town and Norwich City Academies for the Ipswich Hospital Cup game.

“EACH has hospices in both Suffolk and Norfolk and supports 350 families across the two counties, caring for children with a life-threatening condition.

“We hope that as many people as possible can show their support for the charity by purchasing a ticket to the game or making a donation.”

Tickets are priced at £5 for adults, £3 for concessions and £1 for Under-16s, and can be purchased under Club Events on www.itfcdirect.com.

THE HOSPITAL CUP RETURNS

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