Veterans to march to Portman Road stadium for Ipswich Town v Leicester City game as Combat2Coffee’s Medals2Matches scheme returns to third year
A veteran and founder of an Ipswich social enterprise has told of his excitement as an annual remembrance fixture returns for its third year.
Ipswich Town Football Club will give 30 free tickets to veterans for its fixture against Leicester City tomorrow, while a further five tickets were donated by fans.
They will meet at Bar Twenty One, in St Nicholas Street, before the match and will march to Portman Road to the tune of bagpipes, after a rendition of The Last Post by 86-year-old veteran Phil Hubert.
The scheme, known as Medals2Matches, where those in the armed forces are urged to wear their medals to the match with pride, comes from a partnership between Combat2Coffee and The Blues.
Combat2Coffee’s founder, Nigel Seaman, first launched the scheme in 2022 as a way to honour veterans and highlight the number of former armed forces personnel in the stands.
Mr Seaman said: “It is great to bring back Medals2Matches for the third year running.
“Medals2Matches isn’t just about giving veterans a great day out – it’s about encouraging conversation and shining a light on the heroes in the stands.
“Every year we hear stories about how the event has helped people speak out about their wellbeing – and that’s what it’s all about.”
Combat2Coffee offers employment and training to veterans and former prisoners.
In addition to its work with Town, the firm has also teamed up with clothing supplier Hoax, which has provided special hoodies for the occasion.
These will be handed out to both the veterans and the hosts of TownTV.
Combat2Coffee supporters and former Town players Terry Butcher and Russell Osman will be hosting a mental health talk in the FanZone before the match.
Mark Ashton, Ipswich Town’s chairman, said: “Remembrance is one of the most significant days in the club’s calendar.
“With Suffolk's strong military heritage and the presence of several key military facilities, it’s essential for the club to create a tribute and a matchday that honours and raises awareness for this important occasion.”
