Andy Coles is the Ability Counts Manager: “We aim to offer the best possible football opportunities for children, young people and adults with learning disabilities and physical disabilities or mental health issues.”
Darren Mitchell is the player on crutches. The club's a huge part of his life.
“When I was first told I was disabled I sat there in my room doing nothing. And when I started playing football again, I didn't think I'd ever be able to play for a club again.
“It just fills up my life. It's just brilliant, really.”
Ricky Probert is another player. “It means so much. Just to meet new lads and we play at great venues as well.
“The coaches are great and it's just a great atmosphere. It's good to be involved.”
Two County Squads represent ITFC and Suffolk FA within the Eastern Region Ability Counts Tournament Leagues.
Players are selected from Ipswich Town Disabled F.C. and West Suffolk College.
Ipswich Town Blues play in the Premiership Tournament and Ipswich Town Whites play in the League Tournament.
They play against Bedfordshire FA, Cambridge United, Colchester United, Huntingdonshire FA, Norwich City and Watford.
Weekly training is held at Portman Road and six regional tournaments are held at the Abbey Leisure Centre in Cambridge, culminating in finals at the David Beckham Academy for those who win the regional leagues.
The Suffolk Squads have successfully made it to the David Beckham Academy over the past two seasons, winning the Premiership Tournament in 2005/06 and finishing second to Liverpool in the 2006/07 season.
ITFC and Suffolk FA are aware of how important the squads are for those who are members, but Andy Coles says it's about more than being fun.
“From my point of view it's about creating the individual player. Making them not only a better player, but a better person with regards to football.”
And the funding from the sponsors helps make that happen. “Without funding from The FA we wouldn't be here,” says Andy.
“There's also the chance to get into the England squads, so there’s a great opportunity there,” Andy says.
Who knows, by 2012 we could be looking out for a Suffolk face or two in the Paralympic football team.