Darlington FC’s first team players brought festive magic and unforgettable memories to the club’s youth teams last Tuesday. In a heartwarming event filled with Christmas songs, Santa hats, and the joy of football, senior players Tom Platt, Ben Hedley, Will Flint, Scott Barrow, Jack Maskell, Cam Salkeld, and Will Hatfield joined the youth setup for an evening of fun, inspiration, and community connection.

The first team stars didn’t just make an appearance—they threw themselves into the action, playing alongside the young talents in small-sided matches and an epic 7-vs-20 showdown. Their enthusiasm lit up the pitch, as did the festive atmosphere created by the blaring Christmas tunes. The youth players had the time of their lives, collecting photos and autographs from their heroes, with many of their jerseys now proudly covered in Darlington FC signatures. The kids were buzzing with excitement, raving about the experience long after the final whistle.

Reflecting on the night, first-team player Tom Platt shared his thoughts: “It was brilliant to see so many of the kids down training and having fun. Honestly, I think us lads enjoyed it just as much, especially the match with the first team against the 20-odd under-9s. There are some fantastic young players coming through at Darlington—the skills and goals on show were outstanding. Seeing the smiles on everyone’s faces was amazing, and hopefully, the experience inspires them to play for the first team one day.”

The event was a shining example of the club’s commitment to fostering connections between the senior and youth teams, an initiative spearheaded by Development Lead Daniel Summerfield.

“Since I joined at the start of the year, we’ve placed a strong emphasis on building closer ties with the first team, and this event perfectly showcased how far we’ve come. Tom Platt has been a fantastic advocate for the youth, getting involved in our presentation day, this festive experience, and even planning masterclasses with some of the other first-team players next year.

“With 75% of our youth teams competing in the highest possible division in North East football, the quality is exceptional. Events like this not only inspire our players but also give them a tangible dream of one day wearing the Darlington FC shirt. A huge thank you to Tom and all the lads who came down—I know we’re all looking forward to the next one already!”

The festive evening was as meaningful for the youth coaches as it was for the players. U12 coach Chris Blewitt emphasized the lasting impact of the event: “It was fantastic to have the first team players spend time with the youth section, showing players and parents alike that we are all part of the DFC family. The Christmas music, laughter, and fun created a brilliant festive atmosphere. For the older age groups, playing with and against the players they cheer for on Saturdays was a real highlight. Events like this show what team sport is really about.”

The event highlighted the club’s deep connection to its community and its future. By bridging the gap between the senior team and the youth players, Darlington FC is not only fostering local talent but also inspiring the next generation to chase their dreams.

The festive spirit was alive and well on Tuesday, thanks to the passion and dedication of everyone involved. It was a reminder that football is so much more than just a game—it’s about connection, inspiration, and creating moments that matter. Huge credit goes to the first team players for their involvement and to the youth teams for bringing their energy and excitement to the evening.

Here’s to more incredible events like this and a bright future for Darlington FC, on and off the pitch!