As the days draw closer to Ipswich Town Women's fixture at Portman Road, star Natasha Thomas reflects on how far the team has come in the last eight years. 

Now eight-and-a-half years in with Town, the player has spoken as part of International Women's Day about the changes she has seen at the club, the highs she has experienced and her role as a trustee for the Foundation. 

Thomas has been a mainstay in the attack of Town Women, making over 200 appearances, and is the all-time top goalscorer for Ipswich Town with 150 goals on the horizon. 

The 28-year-old said: "I can tell you a lot has changed.

"When I started at Ipswich, there wasn't as many coaches and support as there is now, and you can see that development even now, having an U21 scheme.

Ipswich Star: Natasha Thomas has played 202 games for Town and has gone on to be the all-time top goalscorerNatasha Thomas has played 202 games for Town and has gone on to be the all-time top goalscorer (Image: Ross Halls)

"When I first signed, it's just grown and grown year upon year, and for me it's something that I want to be part of and keep pushing.

"That's why I've been so dedicated to Ipswich, not just on the pitch but also off it."

MOREIpswich Town Women: Natasha Thomas makes her 200th appearance

Thomas was announced as one of the trustees of the Ipswich Town Foundation when it first launched, alongside men's player Conor Chaplin.

Ipswich Star: Thomas playing for Town back in 2020Thomas playing for Town back in 2020 (Image: Archant)

She continued: "When Mark Ashton asked me, it was a no-brainer to be a part of it.

"The foundation is at the heart of Ipswich Town and that's why it's so great to be a part of it.

"I think the women's team is so important to the community, not only for the footballing side of things, but off the pitch as well.

"The growing platform for our fans, it's phenomenal.

Ipswich Star: Thomas on the ball against West Ham in the FA CupThomas on the ball against West Ham in the FA Cup (Image: Ross Halls)

"With my punditry for Town TV as well, it's one of those things where, when I eventually do decide to hang up my boots, not anytime soon, I wanted to make sure that I've got a platform to still be able to support younger people that are in the game so that they can follow their dreams."

Ipswich Town Women will host Chatham Town in their first-ever league game at Portman Road at the end of the month.

Thomas added: "I'm probably the only player that has played at Portman Road due to a County Cup fixture.

Ipswich Star: Thomas is a trustee of the Ipswich Town FoundationThomas is a trustee of the Ipswich Town Foundation (Image: Ross Halls)

"It's so exciting for me as a Town fan myself. You see the men playing on it and it's where everyone wants to be.

"It will be a really good day and I hope the fans enjoy it as well, because we will put in 100%, show fans the playing style we have and hopefully we can enlighten people to come along and support us more."

Ipswich Star: Ipswich Town Women have a game at Portman Road at the end of the monthIpswich Town Women have a game at Portman Road at the end of the month (Image: Archant)