SPOTLIGHT ON : COLCHESTER UNITED FAN - EMILY JANE-LAWSON

It’s been a while since our last feature, but we’re back - and we’re absolutely buzzing to be in the EFL once again! The OAFC Her Game Too team have plenty of exciting plans lined up for the season ahead, so keep your eyes peeled for what’s coming next.

Before every home game, we’ll be shining the spotlight on a visiting female fan, player, or club employee to hear their stories and passion for the game.

This week, we caught up with Emily – a proud Colchester United supporter – ahead of their trip to Boundary Park. Here’s what she had to say about football, fandom, and her favourite memories.

🔵 Name: Emily

🟠 Club: Colchester United

Can you tell us something special about the hometown of Colchester that we may not know?

Colchester is Britain’s most oldest recorded town. It’s a place where old and new collide in the best way. It really is a great place to visit.

How far have you travelled to watch your team?

I live in Sheffield and support Colchester United. The furthest I have traveled myself would be AFC Wimbledon, being 175 miles.

Emily with Danny Crowley

What got you into football?

From a young age, my dad always took my sister and me to watch games. We went to everything from small local matches in our home village to bigger games, like Iceland vs France at the New York Stadium during the Women’s Euros. Overall, we’ve always enjoyed watching football, no matter who was playing. And now, we love watching Colchester more than anything. The buzz of the crowd, the chants, and the highs and lows — it all just makes you want to keep coming back.

Emily with her family

Why Colchester?

Very strange story. But when my dad was younger, all of his friends supported a football team. So one night, he got a newspaper and chose a random team. And since that day, Colchester always stuck. And I wouldn’t want it any other way!

Favourite memory as a fan?

My favourite memory has to be the Carabao Cup quarter-final against Manchester United. The atmosphere was unbelievable, and just seeing Colchester on a stage like that, against one of the biggest clubs in the world, was surreal.

Predictions for this season for your team?

If we stay consistent, I’m hoping to finish around 7th in the table. Maybe a late playoff push?

Emily and her family with Theo Robinson

Player for us to look out for?

Kyreece Lisbie

Predictions for today’s game?

2–1 to ColU

What would you say to any women and girls who are thinking about getting into football, playing or as a fan?

Go for it! Football is for everyone, and the more diverse and inclusive the game becomes, the better it gets. Whether you’re on the pitch or in the stands, your voice matters just as much. Don’t wait for permission - football is yours too.

Quite Fire Round: 🔥

Go-to matchday snack?Definitely a little chocolate bar.

One song that gets you matchday ready?“Right Here, Right Now.”

If you could watch Colchester play anywhere in the world, where would it be?Wembley.

Your favourite away ground (other than your own)?Harrogate.

A huge thank you to Emily for sharing her story and passion for Colchester United. We wish her and Colchester the very best for the rest of the season - after today, of course!