Ipswich Sporting Lunch Club

Supporting tomorrow’s champions

In 2015, we proudly helped establish and continue to co-sponsor the Ipswich Sporting Lunch Club, a SportsAid initiative. The club plays an important role in raising funds for young Suffolk athletes aspiring to compete at Olympic, Paralympic, Commonwealth, World and European levels.

Without organisations like those behind the Ipswich Sporting Lunch Club, SportsAid would not be able to support as many athletes as they do and talented young people from Suffolk would miss out on vital funding. I would like to thank them on behalf of the many young athletes their fundraising has already supported and will do in the future. It really does make a huge difference.”

Beth Tweddle MBE

Financial challenges for young athletes

Training and competing at an elite level can cost an athlete approximately £7,000 annually, often without significant financial support beyond SportsAid and family contributions. The Lunch Club helps bridge this gap.

Community engagement and impact

Two lunches are held each year, attended by the local business community, to gather support for future sporting champions. Each event not only raises funds but also features an inspirational athlete as a guest speaker, providing invaluable insight and motivation. Past speakers have included notable figures such as Kyran Bracken MBE, Lord Holmes, Paul Merson, Beth Tweddle MBE, Peter Shilton, Anthony Ogogo and Eddie ‘The Eagle’ Edwards.