With three promotions in the last five seasons, Darlington FC have been one of the most consistent teams in non-league football for the last few years. Again they have started the new season positively, taking ten points from their first five games, and The Unknown Creative have never been far away from the action.
We were among the 1000+ fans who made the trip to Bootham Crescent last Tuesday evening, and over the forthcoming bank holiday weekend, we will be meeting the Man of the Match – as Matchball Sponsors – following Monday’s home fixture against Spennymoor. Before that game, Darlington have an away fixture in East Riding of Yorkshire, against recently relegated North Ferriby United.
However, whatever happens this weekend – or for the rest of the reason – were it not for the dedicated work of the Darlington FC Supporters Group (DFCSG) in the last few years, these fixtures may never have been possible.
As a majority fan-owned football club, Darlington FC are dependent on the good will of its fantastic fanbase, who can both donate to and invest in the club through a number of DFCSG projects.
Ground regulations prevented the club from competing in the Vanarama National League North play-offs at the end of last season – and DFCSG immediately set about raising the money required to prevent this from happening again.
By offering community shares to members, who can invest in the club by helping to fund the required ground improvements, the DFCSG have given fans a real, tangible opportunity to actually see their funds helping the club develop.
The Unknown Creative have so far contributed to two of the DFCSG’s latest pitches, with funds of £1k and £1.2k going towards the first phase of the ground development, and a boost to the player’s budget, respectively. Alongside our advertising board, in the new Tin Shed, and our matchball sponsorship of the Spennymoor fixture, it is wonderfully rewarding to be part of this progressive, local project.
We are grateful to both Darlington FC and DFCSG for the opportunity to do our bit for the club, and local community.
For more information on the DFCSG, and how you can become involved, visit: https://fundraising.darlingtonfcsupportersgroup.org/
And in the meantime, Up The Quakers!