Behind the scenes – update 6

Here is the latest of the behind the scenes updates of events at Darlington FC.

The Boards of Darlington FC and DFCSG met for the sixth time during the enforced break on Friday evening via video conference call, to discuss various ongoing relevant matters.

The Current league season:

As you are no doubt aware, the National League announced last week, following a poll of clubs, that the season will end. However, it is not yet clear whether there will be any promotion or relegation between the National League and the North and South Divisions, or between the National League and the EFL, or whether any play offs will take place. We are expecting more information from the National League soon.

Club finances:

Under the circumstances of not knowing when the 2020/21 season will begin, we are delighted that the sale of 2020/21 season tickets is going well. To make buying them as affordable as possible in these uncertain times, whilst supporting your club's cashflow position and helping Alun and the Board plan ahead next season, we've launched the option of paying in up to 5 monthly instalments. Season ticket sales have already passed the 300 mark.

Adult tickets cost less than £52 per month and concessions less than £37. Full pricing details and online order form can be found here: 

https://darlingtonfc.co.uk/news/2021-season-ticket-update

As a reminder, we are also pleased to announce that the Boost the Budget scheme for season 2020/21 will be announced in early May.

Community engagement:

The club has been busy in the last seven days, and the workload will increase over the next fortnight as we continue our commitment to engage with our fans and our community.

• The Buddy Mentoring Scheme has now reached over 430 supporters, with a great deal of excellent feedback. We know our fans appreciate the Club getting in touch to have a chat. We will reach another 140 more people this week pushing our total to at least 570.
• Another reminder of our dedicated Contact Line (07488 564642 and email address media@darlingtonfc.org ) for supporters who feel the need to talk to someone at the Club. Many thanks to those supporters who have used this service so far.
• The club now has access to a Chaplain, who also happens to be a life-long DFC supporter, who will provide counselling, or simply a chat, for anyone in need. Details will be announced on the website in the next few days.
• We had a very successful Netcafe with Luke Trotman, with plenty of questions asked about football and Love Island. We are now planning a Netcafe with therapist Danny O’Connor on Wednesday 6^th

In the coming week, in addition to a continuation of the above, we will:

• Be maintaining contact with all our schools, as they continue to provide a service for our vulnerable children and children of Key Workers.
• Publish the successful Farewell to Feethams book on the website – it has now been adapted for the website. This hopefully, will appeal to fans of all ages.
• Continue to run feature articles on our sponsors and partners from the website. The Club remains in continuous contact with our sponsors and partners and we are maintaining our excellent relationships with them during these worrying times.
• Start a new challenge for fans and players to participate in via social media – The Thirty Second Challenge – which has been devised by fitness coach Mark Thistlethwaite.

Throughout these very difficult and unprecedented times, we have maintained a very high profile for the club on our official website and social media channels, and we will continue to do so for the benefit of our much-valued supporters. In the coming weeks and months, we will be exploring several new ideas to help provide our supporters with their ‘football fix’.

Thank you for your continued support, it is very much appreciated.

Remember, stay at home, stay safe and help the NHS.