THE Suffolk Sixes are back for 2023 with six new teams.

The six teams are among a total of 11 teams who have entered the popular female six-a-side summer tournament, which is two more this year than last year.

The opening night’s play at Copleston Sports Centre in Ipswich on Wednesday evening saw all 11 teams in action.

East Bergholt United (green shirts) in possession against Wanderers Vets (blue shirts) on the opening night of the Suffolk Sixes at Copleston Sports Centre. Main photograph: Woodbridge Town (black shirts) on the attack versus Ipswich Valley Rangers (blue & white hooped shirts) in the opening round of matches.

The six new teams are Bacton United 89, Ipswich Vale Exiles, Ipswich Valley Rangers, ITFC Foundation, Wanderers Vets and Woodbridge Town.

They join the five teams that took part in the 2022 edition of the tournament – Brantham Athletic, East Bergholt United, Nando’s, Needham Market and Largentina, who last season played as Balotellitubbies.

Suffolk FA Women’s & Girls’ Football Development Officer Isabel Chaplin, who is organising this year’s tournament along with County Support Officer Ruth Ward, said: “It was good to see so many females enjoying the first night of this season’s Suffolk Sixes.

ITFC Foundation (red shirts) play the ball forward in their match against Nando's (black shirts) on the opening night of the Suffolk Sixes.

“The fact that there is an increase in the number of teams proves how popular the Suffolk Sixes have become.”

The tournament will take place each Wednesday evening over five weeks, finishing on July 5th.