YOUNG sports players in Darlington have appealed to the council to help them achieve their goals.

The junior section of Darlington Cricket Club has applied for £200 to buy equipment.

The club holds winter coaching from September to April at Carmel RC Technology College for youngsters aged 12 to 16.

It is hoped that the young people who take part will go on to play at senior level, and those who train during the winter get the chance to play matches in the summer.

A club spokesman said training and matches promoted fitness and team building skills, and enhanced self-esteem and self-confidence.

The club, which has 120 members from the Darlington area, has asked the council for a grant to buy nets, stumps and mats to continue its winter training at Carmel College.

The council has also received a request for money from a young judo star.

Clark Nixon, of Darlington, is a member of the British Judo Squad and travels the world training and competing in his sport.

He must raise £1,700 a year to pay for his travel costs and has taken on a Saturday job to help him raise the money.

He has asked to council for £500 to help to meet his expenses.

The council will decide whether to support the two applicants when it meets next week.