The Darlington Fc girls team have been very busy fundraising for the benefit of key workers in the town.

The fundraising began on 1st May with Daisy Simpson donating 10 treat boxes to key workers within the town, by using her own birthday sweets because her party was cancelled during lockdown.

Head of girls Football Harry Bowes wanted to help her out so he started to raise funds by running football scratch cards, raffles, bonus ball competitions. The parents of the girls from the teams then followed suit and started raising money.

On all of the fundraising cards and raffles they took a percentage for the girls funds and another percentage towards helping Daisy Simpson buy treats for her treat boxes. This in turn has helped Daisy reach 470 people to date!

She also received some support with donating the boxes from fellow club players Olivia Bedford and Maisie Wakes.

Under 9s Team Manager Mick Walton said; “I am very proud of the club for pulling together through the difficult time, the girls especially as they have taken on any new challenges put in front of them, their commitment is immense. The parents have also been great contributing with fundraising ideas and helping to deliver boxes across the town. 

“The girls section has also managed to raise £600 for two children, one being an under 14 female player and another a relative of one of the girls. This was to buy the two children a replacement bike as theirs had sadly been stolen during this tough time.”

Here are the totals and a list of some of the places that have been given treats on behalf of the DFC girls:

Girls funds £3,010

Boxes donated to NHS and key workers 470

£870 donated across the town from

12 care homes across Darlington

2 supermarkets

3 deliveries companies

the Mowden pub and restaurant

Arriva bus depot

Darlington Police

LNER

1 ab Taxis

Royal Mail

Reid Street Primary School

Heathfield Primary School

The girls section throughout lockdown have run the following:

Team meetings via Zoom.

Weekly training sessions with Assistant Head of girls Football Shaun Mackenzie, working on ball mastery and core exercises.  

Weekly Skill competitions.

Head of girls football Harry Bowes said; “Firstly I'd like to praise all of the girls and their parents as they have all been brilliant throughout this tough time, from joining in on sessions, buying raffle tickets, raising funds just to name a few things.

“The work Daisy Simpson from our under 9s has done is simply outstanding, she has brought joy to the key workers of Darlington including myself! She really has gone that extra mile.

“Lastly, I'd like to thank all of the volunteer coaches as most of our coaches are key workers and have still managed to put together resources, run competitions and training sessions and I personally know they have gone the extra mile to try and give the girls these opportunities during the tough time.”