Darlington Women sign Ella Leach

By Ray Simpson

Jul 22, 2025

Second signing of the summer

Darlington FC Women are delighted to announce their second signing of the summer, Ella Leach.

Ella will be the 10th player to pull on the Quaker Women shirt after representing the club at youth level. Ella joined Darlington Youth aged 12 at U13s. She played for Darlington F.C for 3 years before moving over to our friends at Darlington Town with ex Quaker Women coach Craig Stephens. Ella will still play her youth football with Darlington Town U17s this coming season.

Ella had the following to say after signing for the senior side: ‘Since first signing for Darlington Quakers Youth at Under 13s, I really loved the way Shaun coached and explained the way of the game. Once I realised he was also the manager of the women’s team, ever since I had my mind set on signing for them when I was old enough to play. It feels good to be able to call myself a Darlo player again.’

Team Manager Shaun Mackenzie said: ‘I am once again really happy to be given another youth player an opportunity to gain their first experience of senior women’s competitive football. Having coached Ella in the past, I always knew she had the potential of breaking through and being ready for the next step as soon as she turned 16. I have kept tabs on her and watched her progression and I think she will be a great addition to the squad. Predominately a midfield player, she will give us another option in there but is also versatile and clever enough to play multiple positions.

‘Ella trained with us towards the end of last season and has done well so far in pre season, already competing in our 2 pre season friendlies so we look forward to what Ella has to offer. It is also great to show that the pathway for girls playing for our youth teams is there and their hard work and desire to sign for the women’s team will be rewarded.’

Welcome back to the club Ella