Darlington are happy to announce the signing of Hayden Atkinson from Carlisle United on a one-month loan, subject to National League and FA clearance. 

Hayden, 18, is a young, promising defender who is looking to gain valuable minutes while at the Quakers. Hayden has had previous loan spells, including a few months at Workington last season before returning to Carlisle. 

Hayden is also no stranger to first-team football at Carlisle after making his first-team debut against Wigan Athletic in the EFL Trophy in October of 2024 as a 16-year-old. He would sign his first professional contract with the Blues in the summer of 2025 and even had a spell in the starting lineup in the National League last season, starting five games in a row. 

This season, Hayden has been on the bench a few times for Carlisle but will now look to get some minutes and help out the Quakers while on loan here. 

We would like to thank Carlisle for their help in arranging the loan, and we wish Hayden all the best during his time with us.