Our new Academy plays its first game on Wednesday at Halifax in the National League Under 19 Alliance.

The lads are in Division “I” of the national competition that is organised under the umbrella of the National League. Clubs – who don’t have to be members of the National League -- from all around the country participate in regional divisions, and we’re competing with Carlisle, Eccleshill, Farsley Celtic, Frickley, Gateshead, Guiseley, Halifax Town, Harrogate Town, South Shields and York City.

Games are usually played on Wednesdays, and we’ll be playing our home games on one of the training pitches at Blackwell Meadows.

Our lads will be managed by Academy Head Coach Alan White, with first team manager Tommy Wright also chipping in.

We have 19 players in our squad, and they are as follows:

Aaron BURN- 1st year Goalkeeper. Aaron is highly thought of at the Football Club. A technically gifted Keeper with good distribution. He was an unused substitute against Telford United in the National League North. 

Nick CRANSTON- 1st year Goalkeeper. Nick has come through the Youth set up at the Football Club. A tall, shot stopper keeper with good communication. Nick is expected to make big strides this season. 

Lewis ALDERSON- 1st year Right back. Lewis is a Darlington born local lad who has progressed through the Youth set up. Lewis made his first team debut in pre season vs Motherwell. 

Adam LYNAS-2nd year local lad Adam is a versatile player who can operate at left back, left midfield or central midfield. Adam has a good left foot and is keen to progress at his Hometown Club. 

Abdoulaye KABA- 1st year central defender. Abdoulaye is a powerful, athletic player who also featured for the first team in pre season vs Motherwell. He has also been an unused substitute in the National League North vs Alfreton. 

Tom LYCETT- 2nd year Central defender from Southampton. Tom is a tall, strong and composed player. A highly thought of player who has trialled at Premier League side Leicester City. Tom also made his first team debut as a late substitute in the 3-0 win vs Telford United. 

Liam GARDINER- 1st year Defender. Liam is comfortable operating at either Right back or Centre back. Liam has featured for the First Team in a friendly vs Northallerton in pre season and will be focussed on achieving more over the coming months. 

Callum HARLAND- 1st year versatile player. Callum is comfortable operating at either full back or wide midfield. Callum is a hard working energetic player that will be focussed on establishing himself within the group. 

Harry STANSFIELD- 1st year Central Midfielder. Harry is a Darlington lad. Harry is a ball playing Midfielder in the Michael Carrick mould. He will Captain the group this year and is highly thought of. There is a lot of expectation on his shoulders and big things anticipated. 

Elliott SHAW- 1st year Central Midfielder. Elliott is a tenacious and energetic player. A technical gifted player who will be setting high standards of himself this year. 

Chris McNAB- 1st year Central Midfielder. Chris is a tough tacking midfielder that can operate across the midfield. He is a hard working and focussed player that will give it his all this year. 

Sanny LINGTHEP- 1st year Central Midfielder. Sanny is a very technical and skilful player. Sanny can operate as a ball playing central midfielder or as a creative number 10. He has a great left foot and big things are expected of this young exciting player. 

Mitchell GLOVER – 17 year old midfielder, signed by Quakers from Nuneaton earlier this year, and has already made six appearances for the first team.

Kieron DUNN- 1st year Forward. Kieron is highly regarded at the Football Club. His performances in training since making his first appearance for the first team vs Motherwell earned him a space on the substitutes bench away at Ashton United. Kieron is a goalscorer and is expected to have a big season. 

Brandon MORRISON- 1st year Forward. Brandon is a tall and strong target man type Striker. Brandon made his first appearance for the First Team against Sunderland in pre season before making his debut in the National League North in the 3-0 win over Telford United. 

Harry HEALY- 1st year Forward. Harry is a live-wire Striker who can operate anywhere across the front line. A player with high energy and clinical in front of goal.  

Takunda MUCHEMEDZI- a 2nd year right winger. Takunda is a strong, athletic player that is very direct. His raw attributes make him unpredictable to his opponent. 

Miguel NUNES- 1st year midfielder. Miguel is an energetic, skilful forward thinking player. His versatility allows him to operate centrally or in wide positions. 

Jack NAISBETT- 1st year local lad. Jack is a keen young player that has visions of getting into Coaching. Jack will play in a number of positions this year and will aim to become better and better as the season goes on. 

Today’s fixtures are:

Eccleshill United v Carlisle United
Farsley Celtic v Gateshead
Halifax Town v Darlington
Harrogate Town v Guiseley
York City v Frickley Athletic