Update -- the deadline to let the club know of your intentions is Sunday. Thank you for the encouraging feedback and support we've received so far!

Now that the decision to null and void our National League North season has been formally approved by the FA Alliance Council, we are writing to all our 500 Club members and season ticket holders with options for their 20/21 season ticket.

Ahead of the season kicking off, we contacted all 20/21 season ticket holders and the vast majority decided to retain their season ticket with access to QuakerTV plus a voucher accruing value for every league game played behind closed doors.

What we could not have anticipated was that our season would be curtailed after only five completed home league games without any of them played in front of our fantastic supporters. Whilst our QuakerTV team provided fantastic coverage of every home league game – it wasn’t the same as being at the matches in person. We are now contacting all our season ticket holders and 500 Club members again with options for their 20/21 ticket.

In putting together these options we have carefully weighed up the enduring loyalty and support, financial and otherwise, that our core fans who hold season tickets and 500 Club memberships have shown the club. Everyone working together has helped pull the club through these unprecedented times over the past twelve months. We also understand that the impact of the pandemic on individuals’ personal circumstances will vary widely and are keen to ensure the options reflect that.

Looking forward, although August seems a long time off, Alun is already hard at work, both in retaining key players and in evaluating new additions to strengthen our squad. The ambition of both the Board and Alun is to be challenging at the top end of the table next season and as a fan-owned club we must of course do this together on a sustainable financial basis.

The majority of season ticket income for season 20/21 was received in March and April 2020 and that cash was spent supporting the club across the initial pandemic period. All new season ticket income will be going towards building the playing budget for next season. We plan to put season tickets on sale in June with prices set to be similar to last season’s early bird price. There will also be pay monthly options and a 3-month instalment plan option.

It is important to note that we don’t yet know what, if any, covid-safe crowd restrictions will be in place when we return. Under the social distancing rules last season our capacity was restricted to  just 557. Season ticket holders and 500 Club members will have priority attendance if we face similar restrictions at any point next season.

Alun said: “Even though I haven’t seen the vast majority of our fans in the flesh this season, I would like to thank you all for your great support and enthusiasm. It would have been so easy for you to desert the club because we had to play behind closed doors, but instead you kept on supporting us. Hopefully, we’ll all be together again for the start of the new season. I know the areas of the squad which I need to strengthen during the close season. I have already earmarked certain players to come in, and some unfortunately will be leaving. I can’t wait to get going again in pre-season.”

CEO David Johnston said: “I would like to thank our fans for such strong financial and moral support during the most difficult season in the club’s history. Your generosity towards all our fundraising schemes, Boost The Budget, QuakerTV and Quaker Retail has been remarkable. I’m sure it will be the same again with our season ticket holders. We very much look forward to seeing you in person again at Blackwell once next season starts.”

20/21 season ticket options are also set out below:

• A refund on the unused portion of your season ticket (16 games)*
• Carry over the unused portion of your season ticket (16 games): A top up payment (to be calculated) will be required when season tickets go on sale
• Gift the remainder of your season ticket back to the club to help build for next season

To recognise those who are in a position to choose option 3 & gift back their 20/21 ticket to the club, we can offer the following exclusive benefits:

• An exclusive limited edition Darlington FC top
• 2 matchday guest tickets
• 10% discount voucher for Quaker Retail

To help us complete the budget process for next season we have set a deadline of Sunday March 28^th. If we don’t hear from you by March 28^th then we will assume you want to gift the unused portion of your season ticket back to the Club.

All season ticket and 500 Club members will be sent personalised emails with their details. If you haven’t received an email (please check your spam/promotional email filters) then please email: seasontickets@darlingtonfc.org

Alternatively you can complete your choice here: https://darlingtonfc.co.uk/2021-ticket-options

*Refunds not available to 500 Club members given those funds were received between 2016-18 and were used to fund the development of Blackwell Meadows

*The value of the voucher for each season ticket holder / 500 Club member who retained their season ticket will be calculated and added to supporters YourClub accounts.