Colin Lee
Distinguished Accomplishments​
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Northampton Sports Runner Up Lifetime Contribution 2011​
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Football Work Force County FA - Significant Contribution Throughout Season​
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Outstanding Contribution To Community Football NFA 2011​
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2015 BBC Unsung Hero
Club Founder - Colin Lee
The Life and Legacy of Colin Lee: A Journey Through Football and Beyond
Colin Lee's story is one of passion, dedication, and an unwavering love for the beautiful game. Born in 1939 in South Wales, Colin's life has been defined by his ability to bring people together through sport, inspiring those around him with his leadership and commitment both on and off the field.
Early Life and Love for Football
From a young age, Colin displayed an innate love for football. By the time he was six, he was already captivated by the sport, spending countless hours honing his skills on his aunt's farm in South Wales. These carefree days laid the foundation for a lifelong relationship with football, which would follow him across continents and decades.
In 1953, Colin emigrated to Canada with his parents, an experience that broadened his horizons and brought new opportunities. Even in unfamiliar surroundings, his passion for sport remained a constant in his life.
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Service with the Royal Highland Regiment
Colin enlisted with the Royal Highland Regiment, famously known as the Black Watch, where his sporting talents flourished. During his time in the military, he competed in a wide range of disciplines, including football, ice hockey, track and field, and cross-country events. The regiment not only gave Colin an outlet to excel athletically but also instilled in him the discipline and leadership skills that would define his future endeavors.
While stationed in Germany, Colin took his footballing journey to the next level, joining a local team in the Bundesliga as a center-back.
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A Return to the UK
After leaving the Royal Highland Regiment, Colin returned to the UK, initially settling in Belfast. Here, he continued his involvement in football, managing and running the Belfast Corporation Football Team. His time in Belfast allowed Colin to channel his passion into building and nurturing a team, a theme that would continue to define his later years.
In 1965, Colin joined the Royal Air Force (RAF), where he served for nine years. His RAF career further intertwined with his sporting journey, as he represented the camp football team and even played for the Air Force Eastern Command football team during a posting to Saharsa. These experiences highlighted Colin's ability to bring his footballing talent to every stage of his life, creating a lasting impact wherever he went.
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Life in Northampton and the Founding of a Football Legacy
In 1974, Colin left the RAF and transitioned into civilian life, taking a position at Tesco in Weston Favell, Northampton. This new chapter allowed him to settle down and focus on building a lasting football legacy. Along with a colleague, Colin co-founded a football team, which would go on to become a cornerstone of the local community. His unwavering commitment to the club has spanned decades, and he continues to serve as its Club Secretary and Chairman, ensuring its success and growth to this day.
During his 30-year tenure at Tesco, Colin balanced his professional responsibilities with his dedication to the team, creating a space for players to grow, compete, and thrive. Under his leadership, the club has become a beacon of sporting excellence and community spirit.
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A Life of Inspiration
Colin Lee's story is one of perseverance, adaptability, and passion. From his humble beginnings in South Wales to his adventures in Canada, Germany, and across the UK, Colin has always found a way to make football a part of his journey. His ability to balance a diverse range of roles—athlete, soldier, coach, and community leader—demonstrates his remarkable versatility and dedication.
Today, Colin's legacy lives on in the football club he helped create and nurture, as well as in the countless lives he has touched along the way. His journey is a reminder that football is more than just a game; it is a unifying force, a way to inspire, and a lifelong passion that can bring people together across generations and borders.
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Media Archive
https://metro.co.uk/2019/03/23/britains-oldest-goalkeeper-still-going-strong-79-8993725/
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p03bt5vz
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/av/get-inspired/35049986
https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/8703910/britains-oldest-goalkeeper-70-to-keep-playing/
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