FOR one fledgling bird of prey, football is what life is all about.

In the madcap menagerie that is the world of sports mascots, Eddie the Eagle flies high for Colchester United.

The 18-year-old has been cheerleader-in-chief since the beginning of last season, after his predecessor decided not to leave his Layer Road perch when the club moved.

Match days at the Community Stadium are what makes Eddie’s feathers stand on end.

He said: “It’s definitely fun for me and I hope it is for everyone else.

“I get a really good reception from the fans and while they don’t do it very often, I love to hear them chant my name.

“The south stand has been brilliant this year at helping build up the atmosphere at the ground. I position myself between there and the family stands, so I’m there for both the children and the hardcore fans.

“I think the players enjoy having me there too, because it’s someone else to take the flak if it’s not going well.”

While Eddie has joined in goal celebrations, he keeps himself firmly behind the touchline and out of the referee’s eye.

“I’ve kicked the ball back in to play a couple of times, and there was a bit of fuss after the Hartlepool game when I rested on a corner flag for a few minutes,” he said.

Flying the flag for the club entails taking rivalries on, with Eddie cooking up plans to give Paul Lambert, who left the U’s to manage Norwich earlier in the season, a welcome back to Colchester.

He said: “There will definitely be a lively atmosphere for that game, and he’ll get what he deserves – it might be a cuddle from me, it might not be!”

Among other mascots, Southend United’s Sammy the Shrimp takes the role of Eddie’s nemesis.

Eddie said: “I had a race with him last year, which I won, and I’m keen to go back there this season and win again.

“There’s always a bit of public rivalry between mascots, but we all get on quite well really because we’re all doing the same job and having fun together.

“Chunky the Monkey from Go Bananas is my best mate and he always seems to pop up at events I go to.”

As well holding down a job in the club’s commercial team, Eddie makes regular appearances at schools and community events.

Eddie said: “My days are unpredictable. I could be sitting behind a desk or being chased around by schoolchildren.

“I went to Braintree College last week to promote the £5 ticket offer for students, and last year, I went to a primary school every week.”

But on his trips out, Eddie is often not treated with the dignity that such a proud bird deserves.

“Kids like to pinch my bum and there’s always someone who wants to pull my shorts down,” he said. “I get the odd pat on the back that’s a bit too heavy, but I thought I’d get worse treatment and be battered and bruised.”

Eddie has been a U’s fan since he hatched and hopes the club can soar back up to the Championship this season.

He added: “It would be brilliant to go to Wembley, and then Portman Road next season. I’d love to take on Ipswich’s horses, Crazy and Bluey?”