COLCHESTER United fans enjoyed a chance to meet their favourite players and enjoy a day of footballing fun at the club’s community stadium.

The U’s annual open day was a chance for it to welcome hundreds of people from the community and for the team to showcase its next home and away kits for the next season.

The entire first team squad was in attendance with players taking part in a pitch training session.

Head coach John McGreal, chairman Robbie Cowling and director of football, Tony Humes, took part in a question and answer session.

Family activities included a mascot race which saw the U’s mascot Eddie the Eagle go head to head with Jump Street’s Kendrick the kangaroo.

Eddie the Eagle flew over the finish line first thanks to support from the crowds.

Colchester Garrison sent an invasion of Stormtroopers and several charities were represented.

There was plenty of inflatable action, a display by the Essex Police dogs and funfair-themed stalls too.

Gemma Howe, U’s events manager, said attendance for the day was the best it had ever been.

She said: “It is a nice fun day for everybody.

“The atmosphere is lovely, everyone is friendly and helpful.”

She said it was nice for the players to interact with fans.