Last weekend saw Dartford host Dulwich Hamlet at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park. George Whitefield featured in our matchday programme that afternoon. For those who missed it, here is the full article:
SECTION ONE
Having made nine appearances in all competitions for Dartford last season, George Whitefield’s progress since his promotion from the Dartford Academy appeared to be a slow-burning affair. And that seemed to be the case during the early stages of this campaign…
But, under the guidance of Ady Pennock and his coaching team, as well as the more senior players in the squad, George has been making superb progress on the pitch.
Instead of being a substitute waiting for cup competitions to offer an opportunity to play, the 19-year-old defender has become an integral part of Dartford’s back three. He has made 17 appearances in all competitions so far, 14 of which have been in the starting eleven. He has also chipped in with four goals this season, three of which have come in the last three home games in the league!
However, despite all goals being important (obviously), nothing can possibly compare to THAT first league goal of the season… a 30-yard screamer which helped the Darts beat Cheshunt 2-1 back at the beginning of November.
And, that’s a good place to start our conversation on WhatsApp on a day that sees George in good spirits…
“I’m very good thank you Chris. I don’t think I’m quite over the goal yet to be honest. I think I’ll be watching that back for a long time…!”
The goal certainly seemed to settle the nerves of this young Dartford squad, and the win provided a much-needed boost in confidence levels, which has seen the Darts go on to win three consecutive league games (at the time of writing). And George went on to score in the next two home games, a 2-0 win over Lewes and a 4-0 demolition job over Bognor Regis Town last time out.
A threat in front of the opposition goal is accompanied by growing strength and confidence in front of our own goal. Joined by fellow central defenders Josh Hill and Luther Williams, as well as wing-backs Sam Odaudu and Samuel Okoye, George has become a vital cog in Ady Pennock’s defensive unit. And it’s a unit that is gelling well now, having conceded just two goals in the last four league games, a run that has seen the defence register three clean sheets (at the time of writing).
So, is he enjoying his time with the club?
“Yes Chris, it feels good to be playing for the First Team, especially having come through the Academy setup. I’ve been here for quite a while now, and I really wanted my full senior season to be with Dartford.”
As he has mentioned the Academy, does he believe it helped him progress as a young footballer? Also, did George have the opportunity to be a part of a full-time professional Academy setup?
“Well, I’ve never been at an Academy level because, I was always playing Sunday league football. Then I joined the Dartford Academy when I was seven.
“I think that being at a higher level would definitely have helped me to develop my technical ability. But, having said that, I think that I’ve learned so much by coming through the Non-League side of the game and the Dartford Academy.”
Is he happy with his progress so far and is there anything he’d change if he could?
“Of course, it’s always a dream (for a young footballer) to become a professional player. But, I’m very pleased with my progress so far Chris. The only thing I’d change, if possible, would be to be able to sign a professional contract.”
That’s an honest statement from George and completely understandable. And, who knows what the future holds for this young defender. For the time being, like his peers, he balances his playing life with his working life. How does he include his health and fitness into that balance?
“Luckily, I work with my Dad, who is a big fan of football. He understands that sometimes I need to finish early for training or fixtures. I’m able to stay on top of my health quite well, as I go to the gym regularly and I make sure that I balance out my diet too.”
As our conversation reaches its end, does George have any words for the Dartford faithful?
“Yes, I do Chris… Your support helps us a lot more than you guys think. So, thank you. Hopefully, we can go on and get promoted.”
SECTION TWO
Faith or Superstition?
Neither.
Favourite Food?
Roast Dinner.
Favourite Drink?
Water.
TV Series or Film?
TV Series.
Music or Podcast?
Music.
Sporting Hero?
Cristiano Ronaldo.
Non-Sporting Hero?
My Dad.
Do you follow any other sports besides football?
Not really.
Biggest influence in the dressing room?
Josh Hill.
What football players, past or present, would make up your dream five-a-side team?
Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich)
Sergio Ramos (ex-Real Madrid)
Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)
Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr)
Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
By Chris Palmer