Darlington have launched their first ever women's side that will compete in the regional leagues next season. 

Darlington FC Womens will be in the newly formed Division 2 of the Durham FA League as the club opens up a pathway for participation for women within the club. 

The Quakers will be holding open trials for the first team in due course ahead of the beginning of next season with dates to be confirmed.

It follows on from the news that the club's boost the budget campaign raised over £134,000 for the club. 

Shaun Mackenzie will be the team's manager for next season.

"I am delighted to take the role and would like to thank the club for the opportunity" Mackenzie said. 

"Since I came to the club two years ago to help coach within the girls’ section, it has always been our vision to have a Darlington FC Women’s team and create a pathway for the girls to carry on playing, giving them the opportunity to transition from Youth football to Women’s football.

"I believe it’s a huge step forward for the club and look forward to building a squad ahead of the new 21/22 season."

John Vickerman, who has led the application process for the club. He told the club website: “We are delighted to take this step forward and we feel the time is now right to re-establish a contemporary Women’s team that can compete with others in our region,

“It's important that the Women's team will be an equal part of the club from the outset and our coverage and social media will reflect this.”

Darlington Women will begin their new campaign later this year in September. 

As for the men's team, Alun Armstrong and his squad will return for pre season training in the near future with friendlies lined up in the coming weeks. 

Their first game back will be a friendly away against Northern League side Newton Aycliffe on Tuesday 6th July. 

They've got further friendlies Tadcaster Albion, Northallerton Town, Newcastle Under 23's, Harrogate Town, Middlesbrough, Sunderland and Whitby Town. 

Their National League North campaign is due to get underway on Saturday 14th August after months without a competitve game due to the COVID-19 pandemic.