Colchester United

 Colchester United's regular friendly against Ipswich Town will be given an additional twist this season with the reintroduction of a trophy previously presented back in the 1990s.

Back in 1993, Cllr Ivan Trusler, the then Mayor of Colchester and an Ipswich Town fan, initiated what was to be an annual charity match between Ipswich Town and Colchester United playing for the Alderton Trusler Cup, named after the then Mayors of Colchester and Ipswich. 

This match was actually only played three times, won each time by Colchester, with teams made up of current and former players, along with a mix of other guests.

And, following a request from current Colchester Mayor, Cllr Julie Young, both clubs have now agreed to make the friendly fixtures between the two sides be contested as the Alderton Trusler Cup. 

Cllr Young said: "As the current Mayor, I am delighted to bring this trophy match back and I hope that this time it will continue as the annual event it was always meant to be."

The match will also be allocated as a charity fixture for the incumbent Mayor’s charities, with a collection to be held each time the game is played.

Cllr Young added: "My theme for the year is 'Making Changes'. 

"My charities all support individuals move through changes in their lives and they are: Beacon House, Open Road, Signpost, The Invicta Foundation and The Rob George Foundation.

"Please give generously to the bucket collection which Colchester United have kindly agreed for me to conduct to support the vital work my charities do. Thank you."

The match on Wednesday evening will be the sixth occasion in recent years that the U's and Town have come face to face in pre-season.

The game has proven to be an important match for both sides to prepare for the new campaign, and both managers were happy to support the additional charity element of the match.

Current U's Head Coach John McGreal said: "We are proud to have the Mayor of Colchester as a patron of the football club, so we were pleased to reintroduce the Alderton Trusler Cup as part of this fixture.

"As someone who has played for both clubs, I know how important football is to the communities of both towns, so I hope the match is a good one for both sets of fans and raises money for the very worthy charities."

Ipswich Town manager Mick McCarthy added: "We have a very good relationship with Colchester and have enjoyed our pre-season games there over recent years.

"I'm sure it will be another good night on Wednesday and hopefully a rewarding one for the charities involved.” 

.media@colchesterunited.net There will also be the chance for fans to participate in a penalty shoot-out to help raise funds for the charity. Places are £10 each - for more details, please contact

Cllr Ivan Trusler who initiated the games back in the 1990s will be the guest of Colchester United and Ipswich Town on the night.