Last term, ten Year 7 students enjoyed an exciting match day experience at Heritage Park, the home of Darlington FC 1888 thanks to our working partnership with the club.

The visit kicked-off with a guided tour of the grounds, including access to changing rooms and pitch side areas not usually seen by fans, followed by a meeting with club management and players. Students then took their seats in the stands with the 900-strong crowd of spectators for the evening match.

At half time our keen footballers took to the pitch themselves for a five-a-side match, cheered on by the supportive crowd; they even experienced a lap of honour at the end of their match before settling down to watch the second half.

This scheme offers an excellent opportunity for any aspiring pro-footballer; playing in front of a roaring crowd and hearing them cheer is a fantastic experience that often has a profound and positive effect.