Debut on Sunday for Beatrice Wheatley

Darlington FC Women are delighted to announce the signing of U17 Goalkeeper, Beatrice Whitley. 
 
Bea started off playing football in her school team at St George’s CE Academy under current manager Shaun Mackenzie. Subsequently, she joined Darlington at U11s and has come through each age group playing for Darlington Youth. She is also currently part of the Teesside ETC set up. 
 
Manager Shaun Mackenzie said; "We were facing a dilemma on Sunday with both Hannah Billingham and Evie Whittaker unavailable. So we acted quickly to bring Bea in for Sunday. I’ve known her since she was a kid at primary school and always knew she had the potential to be a fantastic goalkeeper. I’ve kept tabs on her over the past few years and knew she was an option when she turned 16. She trained with us last week and again this week and we have all been very impressed with her. She will go straight into the squad for Sunday and we wish her all the best in her time within the senior setup.
 
"It will be special to be able to hand Bea her debut in Women’s football and she will be the 12th player to have represented the Quaker Women having come through our youth system. Something that I am very proud to have played a small part in developing over the years."
 
Bea, who has been given the squad number 13 for the remainder of the 25/26 season said:
 
"Thank you to Shaun, Stuart, the Women’s first team and Darlington Football Club for this opportunity. Thanks to Pauly and Adam for keeping the grass roots team going throughout the years and for supporting my development. Thank you to Martin my goalkeeper coach. And I would like to also thank my current team mates at DFC Youth and their parents for their support.
 
"Getting signed on and being given the opportunity to play for the Darlington Womens First team is a dream come true. I have loved playing football here for Darlington over the last 6 years. I am a bit nervous but also buzzing to get started and play in the women's team. I will work hard and give everything I can in the game on Sunday."
 
Welcome to the club Bea ️
 
Bea is available for sponsor, both home and away. Get in touch if interested in sponsoring Beatrice.