Ipswich youngsters will be able to improve their soccer skills thanks to a major grant from the Football Foundation, the UK’s largest sports charity. The £260,000 will pay for the creation of a floodlit Astro Turf pitch at Whitton Sports & Community Centre and the running of a football development plan. The half million pound-scheme is supported by Ipswich Borough Council, Suffolk FA and the local football partnership. It is hoped the pitch will be ready for use before the end of the coming season. Any teams interested in using the pitch should contact Whitton Sports Centre Manager Tony Bush on 01473 433633. Karen Pickering, the new Sports Ambassador for Ipswich, cut the first sod of earth at the site.