21CD 
For Sheila Cotton, supporting Aylesbury United has always been a family affair. Her dad followed the club during the Turnfurlong days, her children grew up around Buckingham Road and she now attends matches with her grandchildren.
Sheila, Secretary of 21st Century Ducks, explains how the club has remained part of her family through several generations.
By Sheila Cotton
How long have I been an Aylesbury United fan? I’m going to say that I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t one!
My dad supported the club during the Turnfurlong days and I would always hear about the matches from him. Whenever he met his friend Arthur Dudley, who was a steward in those days, they would talk football.
Dad was delighted when, aged nine, I started at the newly built Haydon School, where Norman Dymock, a former Aylesbury United player, was my headmaster.
Dad didn’t go to Turnfurlong too often because it meant catching two buses from where we lived on Bicester Road. However, I remember being taken to watch a match one Bank Holiday, along with Mum.
When the club moved to Buckingham Road, we became more involved and Dad went to most home matches.
Around 1987, we went on holiday to Pontins in Morecambe. Lee joined in a football session with Ray Kennedy and that sparked his own interest in football, almost 40 years ago.
My husband Terry would take Lee and his friends to home matches, as well as the famous QPR game and other away fixtures. They often travelled on the supporters’ coach.
We used the social club on many occasions and it became a good meeting place. Laura’s 21st birthday party was held there and she worked behind the bar for several years.
I didn’t attend many matches in those days, but I did go to the England match – who didn’t? – and the Wimbledon match when they brought the FA Cup to Buckingham Road.
During the years after the club left Aylesbury, I was very much an armchair supporter. However, I always received the lowdown on the team’s performances from Lee or through whatever media was available at the time.
I began attending home matches at Chesham three years ago when I agreed to become Secretary of 21st Century Ducks.
I now attend with several members of my family, including Lee and Laura, and my grandchildren Josh, Rosie, Keira and Jenson.
I look forward to the day the club returns home to Aylesbury and know that a lot of hard work is going on to achieve this.
Sheila’s story shows how supporting Aylesbury United can become a family tradition passed down through the generations.
Every supporter’s journey with the Ducks is different and we would love to share yours. Whether you have followed the club for decades, recently found your way back or have only just attended your first game, please get in touch with 21st Century Ducks and tell us your story.
Once a Duck, always a Duck.
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