Behind the scenes – update 21

Here is the latest of the behind the scenes updates of events at Darlington FC.

The Boards of Darlington FC and DFCSG continue to meet regularly via video conference call, to discuss various ongoing relevant matters. They last met on Sunday 23^rd August 2020

The next league season:

As you have no doubt seen in the national press, the FA have released guidance for the return of grassroots football and within that the National League System guidance states that fixtures for Steps 1 & 2 will start on Saturday 3^rd October subject to change due to Government guidance at that time.

The risk assessment of Blackwell Meadows has revealed that because of social distancing, our capacity will be reduced to around 600, which is approximately 17 per cent of capacity.

Taking into account that we have 650 season ticket holders and last season’s average attendance was 1,458, we have therefore written to the league asking for permission on safety grounds to temporarily play games at the Arena. We are awaiting a formal reply.

Live streaming:

We are continuing to discuss the possibility of live streaming and are talking to other National League clubs and companies specialising in live streaming. We are also awaiting further guidance from the National League.

Other news:

• We hope to publish a Zoom interview with Phil Brumwell on the official website in the next few days.
• Pre season training has now officially started, and an interview with manager Alun Armstrong is on the website here https://darlingtonfc.co.uk/news/it-was-great-to-see-the-lads-again-alun
• We held the 2019-20 end of season awards presentation before training last Saturday. Details are on our official website here https://darlingtonfc.co.uk/news/will-wins-four-awards-and-alex-wins-young-player-of-the-year– congratulations to award winners Will Hatfield and Alex Storey.
• The website has passed 10 million page views since its introduction in 2015 – many thanks to everyone who has contributed to it and taken the time to view it. A refresh is planned for the start of September.
• Paul Thomas and Matthew Coad have resigned from their positions at the academy. For the foreseeable future, Alun Armstrong will run the academy, assisted by first team player Jarrett Rivers, who is an FA qualified coach in his own right, until new appointments are made.
• Andy Clarke is organising a virtual 50/50 draw on Saturday, details on the website here https://darlingtonfc.co.uk/news/virtual-5050-draw-3

Coming up, we will:

• The 2020-21 Commercial brochure is now at the graphic design stage and hopefully, will be available in early September.
• Keep you up to date with any club developments and further information and guidance from the FA and National League.
• Publish the season’s fixtures on our website – the league is due to release them on 8^th

Thank you for your continued support, it is very much appreciated.

Remember, follow the guidelines, and stay safe.