U’s sign up to Army covenant in support for Colchester Garrison

Image of Colchester FC mascot Eddie the Eagle with soldiers from 16 Air Assault Brigade. (Image: Crown Copyright 2015: This image may be used for current news purposes only.)

Colchester United has backed the town’s military community by signing the Armed Forces’ Corporate Covenant.

The U’s welcomed the town’s garrison commander Colonel Gary Wilkinson to sign the document with club director Kevin Bull on Saturday ahead of the match against Crawley Town.

U’s general manager Tim Waddington said: “We are hugely proud of the armed forces based in Colchester, and the club have a long standing association with the regiments who call the town their home.

“Serving soldiers have often adopted Colchester United as their team whilst deployed locally and, by signing the Corporate Covenant, the club are hoping to further strengthen those links and work closely with the Army in the coming years.”

Colchester United signs the Armed Forces� Corporate Covenant (Image: Archant)

The U’s are only the third Football League club to sign up to the corporate covenant and it is hoped other teams will follow the Essex side’s lead.

Col Wilkinson said: “The Army and Colchester United are both important institutions in Colchester that provide an opportunity for the town’s military and civilian communities to mix through a shared love of sport.

“By signing the corporate covenant, we have formalised the existing supportive relationship there is between Colchester United and the Army in Colchester. I look forward to continuing to work together for the benefit of all.”

Image of Oliver Charles Vine, seven, from Clacton with a soldier from 16 Air Assault Brigade (Image: Crown Copyright 2015: This image may be used for current news purposes only.)