The Academy had a successful ID talent night at Eastbourne Sports Complex on Tuesday night.

The Academy is already looking ahead to next September and will be offering a very useful Level 3 BTEC qualification for anyone who wants to pursue a career in football or in sports in general.

The event was well-attended, and the youngsters used part of the 4G facilities while the first team trained on the other. Youth team coaches Carl Boyce, Mick O’Connell and Martin Sowerby all helped out.

The Academy will be announcing another ID talent day in the New Year, as it builds up towards the GCSEs and the end of the academic year -- so watch out for details!

This is what we offer in our Academy:

• Free Puma kit package

• Coaching and mentoring by former Professional Footballers and UEFA qualified Coaches.

• Individual Positional-based specialised coaching by Former Professional Footballers.

• Fitness Coach among the Academy staff who will devise fitness plans and give dietary advice, as well as access to the Gym facilities at Xercise4Less.

• Monthly assessments and goal-setting.

• Football and Education both delivered from Blackwell Meadows which boasts six grass pitches and excellent facilities.

• Laws of the game training from a former Premier League referee.

• Media Training.

• Match Analysis Training.

• Taster sessions in Coaching.

• Represent the football club in the U19 National League Alliance and also in the prestigious FA Youth Cup.

• Daily opportunities to impress the First Team Manager and Assistant Manager.

• Opportunities to train with the First Team Squad.

• Direct exit route into the First Team.

• Regular friendlies against Premier League, Championship and Football League Clubs.

• Visits to St George’s Park, St James’ Park, The Riverside and Stadium of Light.

• Free entry to Darlington FC first team home matches