On 22nd April, footballers from Stephenson Way Academy were treated to a VIP Match Day experience at Blackwell Meadows, the new home of Darlington Football Club. The excited group of youngsters met the club’s ambassadors, Andrew, Matty and Abi outside the ground where they were given their itinerary for the day. First stop on the access all areas tour was a trip into the changing rooms to meet the players.
The children were given the opportunity to ask the squad a range of questions which would help them gain an insight into life as a semi-professional player. The interrogative bunch left no stone unturned and the players were impressed as pupils asked questions such as, “Who inspired you to play football?” and “How does your defence deal with pressure when under attack?” Demi was amazed that the players all had jobs, including being a labourer, carer and top model as well as training and playing all of the matches. Seeming to heed the players’ advice to train hard and enjoy their football, everyone left in high spirits wishing them well for the game.
Having completed the grilling, pupils were led to the pitch where the DFC coaching squad put them through their paces. Reminders to communicate with one another and advice about moving tactically into spaces were well received by the team and school midfielder Dominic noted they echoed the words of Miss Whitfield during their recent matches.
A guard of honour to welcome players from both teams to the pitch completed the pre-match activities and the children quickly found themselves a vantage point along the sidelines to watch the first half unfold. Despite a few chances and several near misses, the score line remained 0-0 as the half time whistle blew.
This meant that the first goals fans in the die-hard tin shed end would see that day would be from penalties taken by
Stephenson Way pupils. Taking his rightful place in goal, Adam kept calm under pressure and managed to save the first few shots, much to the appreciation of the crowd. As the goalie dived both right and left, it was Alex’s swift strike from the spot (which nestled sweetly into the bottom right hand corner) that received rapturous applause from the crowd. He later told us, “It was the most amazing feeling when everyone was cheering for me, for a moment I felt like Messi!”
As the two teams returned to the pitch, Darlo led the attack and it was only a matter of time before there was a 1-0 score line. Though the visiting team, AFC Telford United, kept the Darlington goalkeeper under pressure right until the final whistle, the children were delighted to see a home victory on their visit. Pupils, parents and staff would all like to offer their thanks to Darlington FC for their hospitality and a truly memorable experience.
