The future’s bright as the Darts Academy continues to shine
A spotlight on the Darts Academy as four more young stars join the first team ranks
Dartford FC highlighted its continued commitment to bringing through exciting homegrown talent with the news that four academy players recently signed first team deals.
After impressing Darts boss Ady Pennock in pre-season, Jeremiah Pinder, Ashdon Day, Dean Nayler and Joseph Kpaka were rewarded first team contracts, reaffirming his aim of rebuilding the squad while keeping an eye on the future.
For Director of Football Tony Burman, who formed the academy in 2008, it’s another milestone in the club’s history and the culmination of the hard work that goes on behind the scenes – and few things make him happier.
He said: “It’s a journey we started on many years ago now, so I’m absolutely delighted to see another four make the step up. It’s the first time that four have signed at the same time and it makes me very proud.
“The aim has always been to bring as many through to the first team as possible, or get them into regular football, either on a non-league or professional basis.
“I never thought it would be as successful as it is now, it’s really come on, especially the education side.
“We also try to promote the coaches from within and it’s continually progressing in leaps and bounds.”
When Tony first started the academy, there were 30 players involved. Now there are 70 Academy players altogether.
Accepted players are offered a two-year NCFE Level 3 in sports with the option of a third-year PT Diploma Level 3 in personal training, run in conjunction with SCL. There are other course options also available. The courses take place in classrooms at the Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park, with the education side running parallel with club football coaching run by Academy Manager Ben Greenhalgh and coaches Leo Mazzone and former academy student Elliot Leveson, who have B-Licence qualifications. This is all overseen by Tony.
Many of the Academy players are brought through from the club’s youth and community teams.
So, what do the club look for in an Academy player?
“Obviously education is one of the most important aspects, so the young men have to keep up to date with their studies,” continued Tony.
“We take it seriously if they’re falling behind or don’t do their work.
“So, their attitudes have to be spot on. But at the same time, we are constantly monitoring them to help them improve as players, as that’s what we are trying to achieve.”
From a football perspective, Academy players have the chance to play in the National League Alliance regional divisions and National League Premier Division.
The Dartford Academy has produced exceptional talents including Gibraltar international Goalkeeper Deren Ibrahim and Gambia international and Derby County defender Ebou Adams. Martial Godo played for Fulham’s first team this week. Many others are playing or have played league football.
Jeremiah, Ashdon, Dean and Joseph, now join up with Olly Box, Sam Odaudu and George Whitefield, meaning seven Academy players are now signed to first team deals at the club, with George having been at the club from the age of seven.
For Tony, who has been a player, manager and is now a director at the club, it’s always a pleasure to be involved in telling the Academy players they will sign first team contracts.
He continued: “We do it in a proper way. We get the parents to come in with the players and we talk to them and say this is what we want to do. It doesn’t mean they will get in the first team right away, but they are signing contracts that show their progress and what we think of them.
“They are usually absolutely delighted. It’s been their dream to be properly involved with the first team.”
Despite the influx of Academy players, the club isn’t sitting back and is constantly on the look-out for more exceptional youngsters.
Tony added: “We are looking for a few more players who think they have got what it takes. They can see there’s a pathway to the first team here. There are still trials going on so if you’re playing to a high standard and want to find out more, get in touch.
“For the others already in the Academy, we have just signed four players on contracts, but might sign some more in the next couple of months. It’s upto them to show us they are ready and if they are, we will give them that chance.
“We think we have probably given more than 150 Academy players a chance in the first team now. If they don’t make it with us, they leave with a qualification and we will try to help them find another club in the long term. But for now, the future is really bright for the club.”
For more information on the Academy, contact: boysacademy@dartfordfc.com
Gareth Morgan