Funding to give Darlington Steam extra yardage

An American Football team in Darlington is expanding opportunities for young people after securing new funding to support growth and participation.

Darlington Steam has received a £2000 grant from the Banks Community Fund to help introduce more local players to the sport. 

Officials at the club say the funding is being used to purchase new equipment for use at try-out sessions, lowering barriers for newcomers keen to get involved.

The club runs a range of teams, from full-contact league sides to five-a-side, non-contact flag football, and is the only American Football club operating between Newcastle and Leeds. 

It also plans to invest part of the grant in training and development courses to increase the number of qualified coaches, supporting both existing players and new recruits.

Lee Kelly, youth team head coach at Darlington Steam, said: “As well as being a great sport in itself and really good for physical fitness, we find that it makes a very positive impact for many of our young players in terms of self-discipline, focus and self-confidence.

“The technical aspects of the sport mean they need to learn to concentrate when that might not be easy for them in other situations, and we want to share these benefits as widely as we can.

“Everyone can enjoy playing at their own level, and if they want to get serious about playing the sport on a bigger stage, our coaches can equip them with the skills and knowledge they need to have a chance to do so.

“Some of the equipment that’s needed for the game can be quite expensive, and Banks’ generous support for the club will mean we’re able to keep it as accessible as possible for anyone who wants to give it a go.”

Founded in 2013, Darlington Steam fields a senior team alongside four age-group squads and now has more than 55 junior players enrolled in its academy. 

Training takes place weekly at South Park, drawing participants from across Darlington, County Durham and surrounding communities.

Several players have gone on to earn regional and national honours, with some progressing into the American college system or professional leagues overseas in Norway, Germany and elsewhere. 

The club hopes the recent surge in interest around the sport, including last weekend’s Superbowl LX, which saw the Seattle Seahawks beat the New England Patriots, will encourage even more young people to take part locally.

Kate Culverhouse, community relations manager at the Banks Group, added: “Darlington Steam already gives dozens of local young people the chance to try, learn about and succeed at this exciting sport, and we’re very pleased to be backing the ambitions of this excellent community sports club to do even more.”

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