Youth teams celebrate successful season
By Ray Simpson
Awards handed out by first team players
Our youth teams held their presentation day at the Dolphin Centre last weekend, and celebrated another great season with the help of players from the men's and women's firat teams. Daniel Summerfield reports on the day.
The annual presentation celebrated the many trophies won but also the incredible player development we’ve seen from all players this year. We had teams from U7 up to U18 on both the boys' and girls' side, with many of these at a high standard in their respective leagues and coming away with cup and league silverware. It was a day to show the players and parents how much we appreciate their dedication to Darlington FC Youth.
Everyone at Darlington FC Youth appreciated the support by first team players from both the men's and women's side across the day. Our day split into four sessions, Ben Hedley and Matty Cornish handed out the trophies in our first of four whilst giving a speech on what it means to play for a club of this calibre. Captain Tom Platt came in for the second session and spoke about the brilliant Darlington fan base and the potential of the pathway through our youth section. All our players loved grabbing pictures with them after the session and we thank them for their support.
Our first of the final two sessions was supported by Nicole Graham of the womens first team. Nicole is a shining example of the pathway having come through the youth and become a key player in the starting lineup every week -- a shining example for all the girls of what can be achieved. Lou Brown finished our final session with a fantastic speech about the club, how it's grown and how much youth matters. We’re excited to have Lou joining us next season on our coaching team as well. Thank you to both players for their support.
Many of the women's first team players came to support as well and it was great to see all Darlington FC affiliates coming together to celebrate the kids and their incredible achievements.
It is important to thank all our willing volunteers here at Darlington FC Youth who allows these boys and girls to develop, grow and move through the Darlington pathway.
Thanks to everyone who made this amazing presentation day possible.
Some of Darlington FC Women's team -- Katie Sheridan, Lou Brown, Milie Garnett, Chloe Bright, Nicole Graham and Chloe Tinkler
The Under 8 boys with Ben Hedley and Matty Cornish
The Under 7 boys with Matty Cornish, Adrian Holden, Chris Singh and Ben Hedley
Ben Hedley addresses the audience, watched by Matty Cornish and youth coach Stu Birkin.
The Under 9 boys with Coches Anth McMaster and Chris Fenwick, with Tom Platt
Lou Brown from the Women's team on the mic.
