Football coaches in Suffolk say Ipswich Town Women's team is inspiring the next generation
It comes as the Tractor Girls celebrate being promoted to the Championships today
Football coaches across Suffolk say Ipswich Town Women’s historic promotion to the second tier of women’s football is already having a powerful impact on young girls in the county.
The Tractor Girls secured their place in the Women’s Championship with a dominant 8-0 win over Cheltenham Town in their final match of the season on April 27th, a result that ended a four-year push in the National League Southern Premier Division.
To mark the milestone, Ipswich Borough Council is hosting a special celebration in Cornhill today (Saturday, May 11). The event, which starts at 11:20 am, will feature players, coaching staff, live interviews, music, and an appearance from the Mayor of Ipswich, Elango K. Elavalakan.
Local youth coaches say the team’s achievement is already filtering down to the grassroots level. Warren Lewis-Claxton, Head of Female Football at Needham Market FC and a coach in the Ipswich Town Foundation’s girls’ pathway, says the impact has been "massive."
“It’s a massive achievement for the players. They should be really proud of what they’ve accomplished,” he said. “It’s taken hard work and determination, but they’ve done it – and that’s inspiring.”
He added that young players are already looking up to the squad as role models.
“You see the girls’ faces light up when the players visit our sessions – they’ve seen them play at the weekend, and now they’re meeting them in person, asking questions. That kind of exposure is priceless.”
Lewis-Claxton believes the visibility and accessibility of women’s football has come a long way, and Ipswich’s success will only continue to fuel that.
“When I was at school, there weren’t many female football opportunities. Now there are so many more, and that has to be recognised and continued. It’s not just about celebrating Ipswich, it’s about how their success supports local clubs too.”
He says events like the Cornhill celebration, as well as high attendances at matches like the recent fixture at Portman Road, show how far the women’s game has come in Suffolk.
“The more visible, the more open it is, the greater chance there is of young girls wanting to pursue football. Ipswich Town Women’s promotion is going to help bring more players into the game – not just for them, but for every club in the region.”
The council is encouraging fans to show their support by wearing blue and white and joining the festivities.
Mayor Elango K. Elavalakan said:
“This is a fantastic moment for football in Ipswich. The team has worked incredibly hard and inspired so many in our community. This celebration is a chance for everyone to show their pride and be part of the celebrations.”