Reaction to Ipswich Town Women move to Colchester stadium.

Delighted fans and groups have reacted to the announcement that Ipswich Town Women would be going to pastures new when they participate in the Championship this season.

On Monday, Ipswich Town signed a two-year groundshare arrangement with the United States, which will see the 10,000-capacity stadium host all women’s fixtures as well as ‘a number’ of Ipswich Town men’s under-21 matches.

Town’s women had been playing at Felixstowe and Walton’s Martello Ground for almost a decade, but were forced to relocate due to the “additional requirements and challenges” of promotion, according to Rachel Harris, Town’s head of women’s football.

Chris Daynes, director of operations of Felixstowe and Walton United FC, stated his club was only pleased with the Tractor Girls’ promotion to WSL2 (the second tier), which has resulted in a move to EFL League Two team Colchester United’s JobServe Community Stadium.

Ipswich Town Women celebrated promotion at Felixstowe’s Martello Ground in April (Image: Ross Halls). Mr.

Daynes stated, “To be honest, we always knew there would be a time when they would outgrow Felixstowe and we are delighted that they have gone up.” The new home for the women’s team will mean Felixstowe no longer sees around 2,000 fans who followed the Tractor Girls, including 2,150 who witnessed their 8-0 win over Cheltenham Town.

Mr Daynes, who also co-owns the confectionery shop Sweets Reunited, predicted that any impact would be minimal.

Sweets Reunited, headquartered at the Martello Ground, opened a second shop on Hamilton Road in Felixstowe on Saturday (June 21), returning after 14 years away, with Ipswich Town Women’s forward Natasha Thomas cutting the ribbon. “It will have a small impact, but we are delighted that they have got promotion, so in our view it is a good thing,” Mr.

Daynes explained. Meanwhile, fans of Ipswich Town Women have shared their feelings on the Tractor Girls’ relocation. Simon Jackson stated: “I can imagine that the requirements of the WSL2 and the economics of playing at Portman Road left the club with little room to manoeuvre.

“Hopefully, this move will draw a lot of new supporters from north east Essex, but it will also increase my travel time from mid-Suffolk from 35 minutes to over an hour each way.

“At the moment I am waiting to see what my season ticket renewal is going to be and then I will decide whether to head down the A12.” According to Andrew Mason, some supporters will consider the distance between the ground and the nearest public transit. He stated, “I knew it was unavoidable, but I’m sad to leave the Martello Stadium.

“So many great memories.

“Colchester is a larger ground that can match WSL2 regulations, but it is literally miles away from a train or bus stop, so you will have to drive there.

“Portman Road and the Martello are both within walking distance of public transport stops, so it’s a real problem for me.” Meanwhile, Richard Bevan said he could understand the reasoning, and that the relocation covered the club’s under-21.

He continued, “The women need better facilities now that they have been promoted, and the work at Playford Road limits their opportunities.

“I am confident that Mark Ashton wants the girls to thrive, and it may be best for them at this moment. “I personally look forward to having them at home. But the Championship has more teams, which means more games.”

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