Quaker Women sign mother and daughter pair
By Ray Simpson
Two new signings
Darlington FC Women are delighted to announce a double signing. They welcome their fourth and fifth signings of the season, Vikki Ryder and Bailey Ryder-Ingledew -- a
Mother and Daughter duo!
Vikki is well known on the Women’s North East football scene, having played for over 20 years at a higher level for the majority of those seasons. She started of her career at Chester Le Street Town and has been back to Chester for two further spells.
In between her second Chester spell, she played for Lumley and Whickham. After re-joining Chester, she left to play for Bishop Auckland Ladies before returning to Chester for a third spell. She has spent the last few seasons at Birtley Town Ladies F.C, whom she captained to promotion to the North East Regional League last year as they went the whole season unbeaten, winning all 20 games. She also scored in the League Cup Final win for Birtley against Darlington in May 2024.
Bailey is just starting out her journey in senior women's football at just 16 years old. She started off her youth career at Newton Aycliffe, before moving over to Norton & Stockton and then spent the last couple of seasons playing for Tibs U16s. She was part of the league winning team that included fellow squad members Grace Dobson and Lana Williams. Bailey signed for Birtley Town Ladies and has spent the pre season training and playing with them in the tier above.
Manager Shaun Mackenzie said about the double signing: "I am very happy to bring Vikki and Bailey into the squad. As soon as I knew they might be available, we acted quickly and the transfer was done in a few days. It was an absolute no brainer to bring in last seasons title winning captain in Vikki and she will bring even more experience and leadership to the team. Primarily, Vikki is a central midfielder but is versatile and will add more competition for places within the squad. Im certain our players will be happy they are now playing with Vikki and not against her as she has been a tough opponent over the past few seasons.
"I am equally as happy to get Bailey over the line as well. At only 16, Bailey has bags of potential. I’ve been aware of Bailey for a while now as she played at the same age group as the girls' team I used to manage at grassroots. She is great technically and good with both feet. She’s got good pace about her and is a skilful winger. We look forward to supporting Bailey on her journey in senior women's football and wish her the best of luck with us at Darlington.
"Both signings wanting to come to the club also shows the good things we are doing at Darlington F.C Women. We have built a good setup and pathway for young players that is getting recognised and players want to play for the club."
Vikki, who will wear the squad number 27 for the 25/26 season, said: "I have watched the progression of Darlington for a number of years now and they keep growing each year. They’ve managed to keep their good players with little turnaround and that comes from a good environment and coaching staff.
"Training with the team has shown just how ambitious, hard working and talented they all are and this is something I love to be around and encouraged me to sign for the club. In addition to my thoughts as a player, I also couldn’t think of a better team as a parent for our Bailey to start her journey with and to help with her progression.
I can’t wait to get the season started as a Darlington player."
Bailey, who will wear the number 28 shirt this season, added; "I wanted to join Darlington as from the first minute I came to train, the environment just felt right for me. Everyone was welcoming, encouraging, had a positive mindset and gave constructive criticism. I wanted a team where I would feel comfortable whilst also being able to build my confidence and progress, and I feel Darlington is that place and the right fit at this moment in time."
Welcome to the club Vikki and Bailey !
We would like to thank Birtley Town Ladies F.C for their understanding and co-operation in getting both deals done quickly.
Both players are available for sponsor, both home and away. Get in touch on commercial@darlingtonfc.org if interested in sponsoring Vikki or Bailey.
