WALKING WITH THE DARTS
Hello again, welcome to another edition of Walking With The Darts, a monthly update on all things related to Dartford FC, courtesy of Dartford Living Magazine.
In case you missed the article in our April issue, here’s a reminder 👇
Since last speaking with you all, our excellent form at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park continues in the National League South. Captain Tom Bonner and Co are unbeaten in fifteen league games, but did fall to a 2-0 defeat against a technically gifted Brentford B side in the London Senior Cup at the beginning of March. However, the lads were more successful in their defence of the Kent Senior Cup with a 2-1 win over National League side Dover Athletic. We now travel to Isthmian League Premier Division side Margate FC in the Quarter Finals on the 5th of April.
Unfortunately, the Darts appear to be struggling on their recent travels having lost the last three. However, our home form remains outstanding with just that one defeat since the pre-season action last July. The lads’ recent performances have seen them register superb victories over Dorking Wanderers and Chelmsford City, which keeps them in the running as the season reaches its closing stages.
As the games come thick and fast, injuries have remained a cause for concern. As a result Jordan Greenidge (on loan from Weymouth) and Jayden Sweeney (on loan from Leyton Orient) have arrived and already made a positive impact with their presence. While manager, Steve King, was unable to travel for the trip to Chippenham Town due to having surgery recently. He was, however, back in the dugout for the visit of Chelmsford City, which was great to see.
Meanwhile, Connor Dymond’s Womens side has been extremely productive both on and off the pitch. Since the turn of the year, the team has registered an incredible eight victories from nine games in all competitions! They’re still holding on to second place in the London & South East Regional Women’s League table, but face a strong Fulham FC Women side at Fulham’s training ground on the 27th of March. If Connor’s side wants to maintain second place, they must come away with all three points, so please do go along and show them your support.
The women’s defence of the League Cup continues, and they now face Millwall Lionesses in the semi-final on the 3rd of April. The game will take place at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park, so be sure that you don’t miss it, as it’s going to be a cracking game of football.
Additionally, as a part of the #LetGirlsPlay session, players from Dartford FC Women’s Team and Dartford FC Community Programme organised a role model visits programme for some primary schools in the Dartford area. Emily Read supported the class coaching sessions at Hextable Primary School, where children wore football kits or sportswear to school. Jo Woodgates delivered an Assembly to Key Stage 2 pupils on her pathway in football and the opportunities to play, followed by a dedicated coaching session to the Girls Football Team at Temple Hill Primary School. Shauni Griffiths led some girls only football sessions at Wentworth Primary School, and captain Lizzie Adams supported the Year 6 Girls Football Team at The Brent Primary School as they organised football tournaments for all girls in Years 3 and 4.
Dartford FC Women’s Captain Lizzie Adams, said: “Tackling gender stereotypes and other types of discrimination in football and wider society is something we know still needs a lot of work. We were delighted to team up with the Dartford FC Community Team and the participating local schools for a really fun day of football. We continue to place a focus on this as a team, and are looking forward to a session to keep working on this with Kick It Out in the coming weeks. We look forward to doing more with schools and girls’ teams in the area.”
I’m sure I speak for everyone when I say thank you for all Lizzie Adams and her teammates do for the local community and schools. Their hard work just shows once again how vital football clubs are for their surrounding areas, and the influence they can have on children.
And speaking of children, I’m delighted to share the following news regarding Dartford FC’s Youth Academy:
“Dartford FC is delighted to announce that from the start of the 2022/2023 season we will be entering our U9 – U11 squads into the JPL. Our U9 & U10 squads will be competing every week at the new SE London JPL central venue which will be on the 3G at Long Lane FC in Kidbrooke. Meanwhile our U11s will be competing in a South East regionalised league playing home & away fixtures. Home fixtures will be taking place on the 3G at Princes Park in Dartford.”
Be sure to keep an eye on the club’s website and social media platforms for more information in the near future.
That’s it from me this month, so until next time, look after each other, keep safe and, as always…Come on You Darts!
By Chris Palmer