HEARTFELT tributes have been paid to a much-loved Newton Aycliffe footballer and coach after he died in a medical episode while playing for his local club over the weekend. 

Darren Scott took to the field for Cobblers Hall FC over 40s on Saturday (February 12), when they played South Shields Catholic Club, but was struck down by a sudden and unexpected medical emergency.

Despite the best efforts of the emergency services, his teammates, medical staff, and the Great North Air Ambulance on the pitch, who courageously battled to save his life, the 40-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene.

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Following his death, his family, friends, and the football community have been left “shocked” and “devastated” by his sudden and tragic death.

He leaves behind a family, who he was devoted to, including his wife Donna, who he married in October 2021 and just recently bought their ‘forever’ home and his children Declan, 17, Noah, 15 and Layna, nine.

The sportsman, who was a loyal Newcastle United fan, loved playing football, coaching Newton Aycliffe Youth Eagles Under 15s and spending time with his family.

The Northern Echo: Darren Scott has been described as a devoted husband, father and committed youth football coach. Darren Scott has been described as a devoted husband, father and committed youth football coach.

In the aftermath of his death, his family and friends have put out a joint statement to ‘Daz’ and ‘Scotty’ which he was affectionately known.

It says: “He was an amazing man. Darren was a loyal friend and husband, devoted father, supportive coach, a genuinely great man who gave so much to so many.”

“Football played an important part in Darren’s life. He dedicated much of his time coaching Newton Aycliffe Youth Eagles Under 15s, supporting his children in following their dreams Declan and Noah are both exceptionally skilled and accomplished players - he was so proud of them both.

The Northern Echo: Darren and his wife Donna. Picture: MARK PRESTON.Darren and his wife Donna. Picture: MARK PRESTON.

“His daughter, Layna runs for Newton Aycliffe and has just been chosen to run in the regional team something Daz was Buzzin’ about. She will be running competitively in March.

“Darren would be the first to help others. Family, friends, and the football community have been left shocked and devastated by his sudden and tragic death. He leaves behind a family, to whom he was devoted.”

Alongside the tributes, a Just Giving fundraising page has been set up to support Darren’s family by Cobblers Hall representative, Mark Preston.

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Through the fundraiser, the popularity of the dad of three has shone through, with more than £7000 raised within the opening nine hours of being set up. Overall, Darren’s family and friends want to raise £20,000.

In the fundraiser, Mr Preston explains: “At this most devastating time, we would like to raise some money to help his family with funeral costs and to support his young children in trust funds for their future- Darren and Donna have recently purchased their family forever home.

“We would like to give his family what he now cannot. He will be hugely missed by all who knew him. His family need our help and support to get through this most difficult time.”

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For people that want to contribute money to the fundraiser, they can donate online here, or at Cobblers Hall pub on Carer’s Way in Newton Aycliffe.

Newton Aycliffe FC will also be operating a donation bucket for its Northern League First Division fixture against North Shields over the weekend.

A spokesperson for Newton Aycliffe FC said: “Daz attended our last home game with his son who is one of our Juniors. We will be having a bucket collection at our home game this Saturday when we play North Shields. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and teammates at this sad time.”

Later in the year, plans are afoot to try and organise a sports dinner in memory of Darren, which will include auctioned off memorabilia. If anyone has memorabilia that they want to offer for the future event, they can do so by contacting markpreston1974@hotmail.co.uk.

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