Doris’ joy for women’s football inspires care home to sponsor her team

Lifelong football fan Doris Bacon, aged 91, has had a passion for the sport since she was old enough to kick a ball.

On discovering her interest in football, Doris’ care home, Alderwood Care Home in Colchester, organised for the great-grandmother to attend her first ever women’s football match, watching Colchester United Women at the Colchester Garrison in February.

Since that first match Doris has become a regular supporter and has even got a few of her fellow residents involved. Inspired by Doris’ love of ‘the beautiful game’, the specialist dementia care home has sponsored Colchester United Women for the 2025/26 season.

On Friday (August 15), the Club invited Doris, Alderwood home manager Nikki Leaney, and lifestyle coordinator Laura Birch to meet the team at Shrub End Community & Sport Centre to see their new kit. The three ladies were also gifted their own football shirts.

Born in Braintree, Doris lived in Colchester for 55 years before moving to Alderwood Care Home. The mother-of-three has eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

She said: “It means an awful lot to me that we’re sponsoring the team – they deserve the support, and I’m really happy to be part of it. I love going to the games, my family have started to come along too, which makes it extra special, something we can all enjoy together.

“I would have loved to have been part of a team when I was a girl, but I grew up being told that football was not a suitable sport for girls, though it didn’t stop me from playing football with my brothers after school.”

Lifestyle coordinator Laura Birch said: “Doris enjoyed meeting the players again and was thrilled to see them in their new kit.

“She absolutely loves watching the ladies play, especially when they win. She’s encouraged quite a few of our other residents to attend with her too. Doris is helping to increase their fanbase, though it does raise the average age of their fans too! We can’t wait to cheer the girls on this season.”

Home manager Nikki Leaney added: “Doris is such a devoted Colchester United Women fan, it’s wonderful to watch her passion grow.

“Ladies’ football is thriving and as a home we’re passionate about keeping our residents connected with the local community and supporting opportunities that inspire them to live their best lives. This sponsorship is a perfect way to make that happen.”

Danielle Warnes, Colchester United Women’s FC chair, said: “We’re proud to be partnering with Alderwood Care Home, a company that prides itself on its reliability, innovation, and commitment to excellence. Their support not only strengthens our infrastructure off the pitch but also reflects the growing commercial attraction of the women’s game.

“As the sport continues to gain momentum, partnerships like this are vital in helping us build sustainable pathways for our players and community. It’s exciting to see businesses investing in the future of women’s football.”

Alderwood Care Home is a 65-bed home, in Colchester, Essex, offering residential, nursing, specialist dementia and end of life care. The home’s dedicated activities team offers a variety of entertainment from knitting to ski trips and has access to a mini bus for days out.