Darlington FC are entering a Women's Team in the newly formed Division 2 of the Durham FA League from September 2021 having received approval at the Durham FA AGM this week. 

This is the logical next step for us as fan-owned club – we already have a strong youth section -- and we are now ready to build a pathway for our girls’ players to progress into a senior team structure and compete against teams within the Durham FA catchment.

“We are delighted to take this step forward and we feel the time is now right to re-establish a contemporary Women’s team that can compete with others in our region,” said John Vickerman, who has led the application process for the club.  “It's important that the Women's team will be an equal part of the club from the outset and our coverage and social media will reflect this.”

Darlington FC Women, which will be self-funding, will be holding Open Trials very shortly to supplement their squad and begin the process of building a competitive team. Shaun Mackenzie will lead the team formation and will be the manager for season 2021/22. He said; “I am delighted to take the role and would like to thank the club for the opportunity. Since I came to the club two years ago to help coach within the girls’ section, it has always been our vision to have a Darlington FC Women’s team and create a pathway for the girls to carry on playing, giving them the opportunity to transition from Youth football to Women’s football. I believe it’s a huge step forward for the club and look forward to building a squad ahead of the new 21/22 season.”

Darlington FC Women will be holding open training sessions and we are looking to recruit female players aged 16 or over to join the new squad. If you have experience playing in the Women’s game or are ready for the next step or challenge, then please get in touch to register your interest. 

Training will be held at Eastbourne Sports Complex, Darlington, DL1 1LG.  Please email girlsdevelopment@darlingtonfcacademy.co.uk for further information or contact Shaun Mackenzie on 07935122160. 

Dates for the open trials, open training sessions and further details on the squad, will be available shortly including the main front of shirt sponsorship.

The club is creating a fantastic new opportunity for a local business to become the very first main sponsor of Darlington FC Women's Senior Team. The main sponsor’s logo/brand will proudly be displayed on the front of the women's team shirt, and the club will also arrange a corporate package of benefits as part of a sponsorship agreement. This sponsorship opportunity is solely for the benefit of the DFC Women's Senior Team.

It will provide an excellent platform for this new venture to grow and develop throughout the 2021/22 season and beyond to reach its full potential. Football is now the top participation sport for women and girls in England and becoming the first main sponsor of DFC Womens Senior Team will be an important part of the continuing DFC journey. For more information and details please contact commercial@darlingtonfc.org

Dates for the Open Trial and further details on the squad, including commercial sponsorship opportunities for both the team and individual players will be available shortly including the main front of shirt sponsorship. 

Keep an eye on our official media channels for updates.