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