FOOTBALL fans from across the region have been urged to get behind a troubled club this weekend.

In Darlington, Saturday is being dubbed as Save Darlo Day as the group trying to take the Quakers out of administration is hoping to get a bumper attendance at The Northern Echo Darlington Arena.

A range of fundraising activities is also planned in the town on Saturday.

More than 2,500 children who helped raise thousands of pounds for the club have been invited to attend the match against Grimsby to cheer on the home side.

The day has been organised by Darlington FC 1883, the group of fans trying to raise £750,000 to take over the club.

Yesterday, Craig McKenna, spokesman for Darlington FC 1883, said: “It’s vitally important to get as many people at the game as possible.

“It’s a chance to engage, or re-engage, with the football club and to come along and watch the game.

“In the past few weeks there’s been a bit of a focus on bringing money into the club in preparation for next season, but this is more a case of trying to instil support and reward the kids for the work they’ve done in these difficult times.”

Darlington schools raised more than £8,500 by holding mufti days in support of the club.

The 2,500 tickets will be given to the five schools that raised the most money. Five further schools will be given tickets for the April 14 match against Bath and, by the club’s final home game on April 28, it is hoped all schools which participated will have been given tickets.

Quakers manager Craig Liddle also hoped people would come along and support the team.

He said: “Hopefully, we’ll get a big crowd. Everybody in the community is doing really well and doing everything they can to keep the club alive and it’s important that as many people as possible come along to support the team.”

The match against Grimsby kicks off at 3pm at The Northern Echo Arena, in Neasham Road. Fans without tickets are advised to attend early in order to purchase them in sufficient time. Tickets cost £15.