'I wear an Ipswich shirt on Saturday and Norwich shirt Sunday'

The passion and intensity of the East Anglian Derby returns with plenty on the line, as hosts Norwich City eye a late Championship play-off push and Ipswich Town chase automatic promotion.

For supporters, it brings a mixture of nerves and excitement, but a guaranteed disdain for the opposition in the quest for bragging rights.

But for Norwich City Women's player Eloise King, who was born and raised an Ipswich Town fan, loyalties will be split on Saturday.

So how does the 24-year-old, from Sudbury in Suffolk, and her Ipswich-loving parents Tracey and Chris, juggle bleeding Town blue while representing City's yellow and green?

Central midfielder King kicked her first football aged three. She was an Ipswich Town academy product, playing close to 100 times for the Tractor Girls.

She left in February 2025 for Essex club Hashtag United, and joined the Canaries at the start of this season, during which the National League Division One South East side have gone on to secure a promotion play-off place.

If victorious, they will move into the third tier of the women's pyramid.

"I have passion in different ways for both clubs," said King, who also represented England from under-15 to under-19 level.

"I play for Norwich and I'm loving life there, and almost feel at home there. But, I've been blue since I was really, really young.

"When I was younger, I only ever saw Norwich as our rivals. Now, I don't really see that.

"When I first joined Norwich it was odd having to put that kit on but really, really quickly, I wasn't even thinking about it."

But who will she be cheering on Saturday (12:30 BST) when the Tractor Boys travel to Carrow Road?

"[When] I step up on the pitch on a Sunday, I'm wearing a Norwich City badge, but then on a Saturday, I'm wearing an Ipswich one watching the men," King said.

"Obviously, being a Town fan, it's not going to be easy. Norwich are on a good run, but Ipswich need as many points as possible to try and secure automatic promotion.

"I am an Ipswich fan, so the derby is going to be a difficult one. I'm nervous, but looking forward to it. I think it's going to be a draw."

King's father, Chris, was going to Portman Road long before Eloise was born, sitting in the then Churchmans Stand in the 1970s.

The 62-year-old said: "I've been a Town fan all my life. Words can't describe the feeling watching your daughter play for your club. It is a dream, but also, it is her dream.

"Now, she's moved on to a new club. It took a little bit of getting used to, seeing the yellow and green on the washing line. But we have adapted, and she is happy, so that means we are.

"We will support and follow her wherever she goes."

Despite still hoping for derby day success, Chris has grown to like - or at least accept - the Canaries as a club since Eloise joined.

"It lessens the rivalry slightly for me," he added.

"Just a little bit, but I do still look for the derby when the fixtures come out at the start of the season."

Eloise's mother, Tracey, 53, said she too has grown fond of the Norfolk club, feeling welcomed by their staff and supporters, despite their obvious allegiances.

"I started supporting Ipswich when Eloise played for them, and my weekends consist of watching the men on a Saturday, and the girls on a Sunday," she said.

"All of the [Norwich] fans have made us and Eloise's grandparents feel really welcome.

"We feel like part of a family already - although we are Ipswich fans."

Unlike her husband, who "tolerates" Norwich, Tracey admitted she checks for their results.

"I feel a little bit of an allegiance there," she said.

"The strangest thing was having the kits in the house. It felt really, really strange pegging them on the washing line.

"Her football is her career, and that part of her life is Norwich. But the team she supports is Ipswich. She gives 100% for Norwich, and wants the team to win.

"We are super proud of her."

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