Darlington Women have been unexpectedly promoted to the North East Women’s Regional League after a vacancy suddenly became available.
Quakers finished third in the Durham FA Women's League last season, but missed out on promotion because only the top two clubs were promoted, and they were informed that they had been unsuccessful.
However, one club in the NEWRL has decided not to continue, and Quakers in turn accepted an invitation from the FA to fill the vacancy join the NEWRL.
Darlington's Chief Executive Officer David Johnston said; "All of the efforts of Shaun MacKenzie, the other coaches and the players have finally been made worthwhile.
"They have all worked so hard to win promotion. I know how disappointed they were when they finished so close two seasons ago and again in the season just ended, so to finally win promotion is a deserved reward for all their hard work. They have now got a good solid platform to build on.
"Everybody at the club congratulates them, and hopefully there will be more to celebrate next season. They have beaten clubs from higher leagues in the cup competitions, so maybe they can do the same again next season."
Manager Shaun MacKenzie, who started the team in 2021, said; "To receive the news of promotion, I am over the moon. I needed to see it in writing before I believed it. We have worked so hard over the past five seasons to get out of the Durham FA league and I feel we fully deserve it.
"We nearly won promotion at the first time of asking, finishing fourth in our inaugural 2021/22 season. Since then, we have been up there and thereabouts pushing for promotion in the past four seasons, never finishing below fifth!
"We thought we had done it in the 2023/24 season after finishing second. But it wasn’t to be and that was a huge blow to myself and the players. But we picked ourselves up, rebuilt and went again. It’s fantastic news for the whole town.
"We knew we had given ourselves a slim chance finishing third this season and we are just very grateful that an additional vacancy arose and we jumped at the opportunity. We look forward to building on the solid foundations that we have already built and competing at the next level in the pyramid.
"I am very proud to be from Darlington and I am extremely proud to lead the first ever Darlington F.C Womens team to promotion. The hard work has already started!"
Captain Aimee Dagnall was equally delighted, and said; "As captain of Darlington FC Women, I couldn’t be prouder of what this team has achieved since its establishment.
"Over the last five seasons, so many players have played a huge part in this journey. Some have been here since the beginning, some joined along the way and some left, but every single one has contributed to getting us to where we are today. I’m grateful to have shared the pitch with such amazing teammates.
"I also want to give special recognition to our coaches. Their dedication, belief and countless hours of work behind the scenes have played a vital part in our success. They have pushed us to improve, supported us and helped create a special culture within the team.
"This promotion is something we can all be proud of, but it’s only the beginning. I’m excited for the new season ahead and ready to embrace the challenges that come with it.
"Most of all, there isn’t a better group of girls that this could have happened to. Every player has earned this moment and I’m delighted to celebrate with them. Enjoy it, be proud of what we’ve achieved and let’s see what the next chapter brings,"
Everyone at Darlington FC would like to congratulate the women's team on their promotion, and hope that there will be more to come.
