The new Academy starts in September (circumstances permitting) and we're checking out the lads who will be starting.

Today, it's Jack Winstanley

What was the first club you supported? 
Liverpool 

Who was your first favourite player? 
Steven Gerrard due to his passion for his club and also how well he could strike and pass a ball. 

Who is your current favourite player? 
Trent Alexander-Arnold for his range of passing and how he overlaps the wingers and can still put in a pin point cross for his team mates. 

Who has been the biggest influence on your career? 
I would say my Dad because he has taken me to every game I have played and also coached me on a Sunday for New Marske.

What’s been the biggest game of your career so far? 
The county cup final for Darlington where we were playing teams a year older than us and we managed to beat Eaglescliffe 2-1 and win it. 

Which football ground would you most like to play on? 
My dream has always been to play at Anfield however, I’d love to play at Blackwell Meadows. 

What was the first Darlington match you went to? 
My first Darlington match I went to was when we did the trophy parade for winning the county cup and we played Leamington at home that day.

What’s your favourite music? 
I don’t mind a bit of Ed Sheeran to be honest. 

What’s your favourite food? 
You can’t beat a good steak for me (medium-rare).

Which countries in the world have you visited? 
I have been to all of the Canary Islands, Spain, France, Bulgaria and Holland with Darlington.

Which stadium in the world would you most like to visit? 
Definitely the Nou Camp due to how big it is. 

Who do you think is the best player amongst your team mates? 
 It’s hard to choose one but for me it’s Ciaran Dixon due to his pace, finishing and how he can go past defenders as if they weren’t even there. 

What would be your best footballers XI? 
GK Peter Schmeichel 
DEF  Lahm, Virgil Van Dijk, Rio Ferdinand, Ashley Cole 
MID Gerrard, Zidane, Gazza 
FOR Messi, Suarez, C.Ronaldo