Alcona football’s No. 1 fan gives back

ALCONA, Mich. — According to the CDC, about one in 345 children in the United States have been identified with Cerebral Palsy. That’s the case for Alcona’s number one football fan, Michael Doidge. Cerebral Palsy took away his opportunity to play football. However, it didn’t take away his passion for the game.

Since middle school, he’s been going to every Alcona Tigers football game. He’s not sitting with the fans in the stands. Instead, he’s sitting on the Alcona sideline cheering on his Tigers. Doidge wanted to do his part to help out the team.

The junior is currently a Life Scout with Troop 959. For his most recent project, he designed two benches for the program. For his hard work, the team awarded him a No. 1 jersey. A No. 1 jersey for a No. 1 fan. Doidge is very happy he can do his part to help the team and he thanks all the supporters that made him who he is today.

“They’re all loyal to me,” said Doidge. “They always have a special place in my heart. Thank you doesn’t even begin.”

“Michael is a great kid,” said Alcona football coach Jason Somers. “He does all the things that you expect a young man to do. He can’t play the game physically. However, it’s just not the same when he’s not on our sideline. It’s really cool to see it all come together for him.”

In the future, Doidge plans on becoming a sports broadcaster.