THE third annual Grassroots Festival, organised by Suffolk FA, is to take place in Ipswich.

Organisers announced today that the festival, which supports the development pathway of young footballers in the county, will be held on Saturday, May 18, at Gainsborough Sports Centre.

Teams from under-7s upwards will take part in matches and there will be a female specific festival and a tournament for youth and adult disability footballers as well as a lunchtime turn up and play session.

Laura Smith, chief executive of Suffolk FA, said: “It gives me huge pleasure to launch this year’s festival which provides us with the opportunity to work with players in key age groups and to showcase the important work that we are doing in developing the game right across Suffolk”.

“With the kind support of Ipswich Borough Council, we are able to hold the event at a community facility which stages hundreds of grassroots football matches over the course of each and every season.”

Young match officials and volunteers involved in Suffolk FA’s highly successful Football Futures programme will be utilised to ensure that there will be a youthful flavour to all elements of the day.

Invitations will be sent out soon to teams to take part in this free festival and be part of Suffolk FA’s annual celebration of grassroots football.

For more information about the festival please contact lead officer, James Payne on either james.payne@suffolkfa.com or 07432 735984.