Not at all. It is real football, not some high-tech computer game in cyberspace. Teams are made up from supporters of their respective clubs. It is a chance for fans to don the beloved colours of their favourite team and compete against rival teams. Matches are played in a friendly spirit and the aim of it is to, as the Internet Football Association (or IFA) say, "build bridges between rival sets of supporters". The only catch being you have to have a valid email address in order to play.

So Who are Punch Drunk FC?

Punch Drunk FC are a football team made up of Ipswich Town supporters. We communicate through the Internet by using two mailing lists. Mailing lists are discussion forums where fans of football clubs talk and discuss their fortunes (and mis-fortunes). It's a good way for fans living miles away from home to stay in touch.

Cool, So Why Have Two Mailing Lists?

One mailing list is used to discuss matters about Ipswich Town Football Club. Whereas the other one is used to discuss matters about Punch Drunk, e.g. what time is kick-off? or tactics etc.

What do I Require In Order to Join?

You need to be an Ipswich Town fan, and have your own email address. Talent is optional.

How often do you play a match?

We play on average one game a month against other teams made up of football supporters. We compete in the IFA League, the IFA Cup, and other tournaments that teams hold, e.g. the Charlton BHF Tournament. We also compete in a tournament in the middle of July every year called Worldnet. Games are usually held on the morning before the real match begins. So for example if Ipswich Town are playing Arsenal in the afternoon, then Punch Drunk might play the Cybury Gooners in the morning.

Eh? Worldnet? What's that all about then?

Worldnet is a two-day tournament held over a weekend in a chosen city, so it's much like our very own World Cup competition. First day is the group stages and the second day is the knockout competition. We usually stay the Friday and/ or the Saturday night in a hotel, and later go out and all get pissed.

So What happens to the losers of the Group Stages? Go home or something?

No. Not yet anyway. They go into a Plate Competition which is in the format of a knockout competition against the other teams who didn't make it to the next day of the main tournament.

Sounds great! How do I join the team?

Send an email to Steve Cunnew and he will give you information on joining the Punch Drunk mailing list and what's happening.

Ah, slight problem, I'm not exactly the best footballer in the World!

With us it doesn't really matter. Most of the 'good' teams are no better than an average Sunday league side, and the others are oh so much worse. We see it as more of taking part and "building bridges with rival sets of supporters" than winning. Most of the other teams see it this way too but be warned, there are a couple who take it way too seriously. But that's really not what it's about and you will find us a nice, friendly but somewhat mad bunch of guys once the Bacardi Breezers kick in.

Great, I'm really interested, What kit should I bring?

We wear our Ipswich Town kit, so bring along your most recent Town shirt and it doesn't matter how recent/ ancient it is, so long as it's blue! Also white shorts, blue socks. A handful of teams get their kit from their respective clubs, but sadly we are not one them.

If you have any further questions then send an email to: Steve Cunnew