Ipswich Town Ladies to hold open trials for new players at Portman Road

Pruden, who also works as a teacher at Thomas Gainsborough School, has coached girls’ football at age-group level for several years and also led Great Cornard Middle School to the English Schools Football Association (ESFA) Small Schools Trophy, at Portman Road, in 2012.

The trials will be held on Thursday June 12 and Tuesday June 17, between 7.30pm and 9.30pm at Portman Road.

Admission is free.

The ladies will be part of a new, revamped structure next season as part of changes that have been made in the FA Women’s Premier League, and are likely to face old foes from the Southern Combination League.

“It is something I have been keen on doing for the last year or so,” said Pruden, 36, who replaces Ollie Drake as manager.

“This is the first proper post I have held in senior football but because of my work at school level over the last 10 years, I will be familiar with some of the players at Ipswich.

“It will be nice to work with them, but it will also be nice to work with those I do not know.

“The club did not have a great season last time round, compared to in previous years, so we will be looking to improve on that and move forward.”

Pruden explained that the trials will be open to anyone that fancies giving ladies’ football a go.

“The trials will give people an opportunity to see what the standard is like,” he explained.

“There is an opportunity to get into the squad for the new season and the trials will allow potential players a chance to train with the existing squad.

“I am really excited about the challenge and I will be especially looking out for the fixture against Norwich.”

The ladies game is becoming ever-more popular and the recent FA Women’s Cup Final between Arsenal and Everton attracted 15,000 fans to Stadium: MK.

“It’s a nice time to be getting involved,” he said.

For more information or to register an interest contact Ralph Pruden on 07795 282927.