Introduction to the Darlington FC youth set up

The Darlington Football Club youth set up provides a pathway from Under 5 football all the way through to the club’s Academy and the first team in the Vanarama National League North.

Under the auspices of Director of Youth Paul Thomas, the club runs teams at the following levels in either the Russell Foster Youth League or the Teesside Junior Football Alliance:

Under 6

Under 7

Under 8

Under 9

Under 10

Under 11

Under 12

Under 13

Under 14

Under 15

Under 16

Under 17

Under 18

There is also a team of Under 13 girls who play in the Russell Foster Youth League.

The headquarters for the youth is at Eastbourne Sports Complex, Bourne Avenue, Darlington. Depending on the age group, training takes place Monday to Friday, with games taking place on Saturdays and Sundays, either on the 4G or on one of the grass pitches.

Most of the club’s coaches are qualified to UEFA B standard. All of them are DRB checked, and are qualified in the safeguarding of children and emergency first aid.

As well as professional coaching, the club also provides strength and conditioning training, futsal, dietary and nutritional advice, tuition on the laws of the game as well as life skills. The club has a philosophy of enjoyment through learning.

Here's a list of youth team coaches and officers:

Under 7 Quakers: Jonny Kane

Under 7 Feethams: Paul Orton

Under 8 Quakers: Martin Sowerby

Under 8 Feethams: Bailey Ramrekha

Under 9 Quakers: Callum Plumb

Under 9 Feethams: Martin Williamson (assistant coach Dave Vayro)

Under 10 Feethams: Dan Marquiss (assistant coach Tony Hewson

Under 11: Mark Saunders

Under 12: Jonathan Edwards

Under 13: Warren Newall

Under 14: Steve Luck

Under 15 Quakers: Steve Gent (assisted by Mark Bean)

Under 15 Feethams: Craig Alderson

Under 16: Adam Willsher

Under 17: Mark O’Connell

Under 18: Carl Boyce

Under 13 Girls: Harry Bowes (assisted by Brian Baldwin)

Director of Youth: Paul Thomas

Fitness and Conditioning: Mark Thistlethwaite

Physio: Dan McMaster

Sponsorship: Lauren Coad

Lead Coach Foundation Phase: Martin Sowerby

Lead Coach Youth Phase: Matthew Coad

Welfare Officer: Adam Hudson

For further details, contact:

Paul Thomas, director of youth, on headofacademy@darlingtonfcyouth.co.uk