Last season Newton Aycliffe FC and Juniors FC announced plans to work in partnership for the development of playing opportunities after they had left ‘junior’ football.
NAJFC entered a team into the Durham County u21 league last year, with a view to providing a stepping stone for the players into senior football. It was a move fully supported by NAFC, as they look to ensure talented footballers from the town are retained within the local system.
The benefits of that approach are already being seen as six young players have signed for NAFC, offering them the chance to represent their Town in the Northern League First Division.
Ryan Farley has played for NAJFC for the last three and half seasons is the current u21’s GK and team coach and assists with all team matters. Joe Young is a strong tough tackling central defender who is in his second spell at NAJFC and is the u21’s vice captain.
Jack Slatcher is a combative box to box central midfielder who has played for NAJFC since the age of 4 and is the current u21’s captain studying sport at Durham University. Adam Smith is from Chester Le Street and joined the u21’s last season. He is a quick and skilful player comfortable at left back, left midfield and centre half and is studying at Sunderland university.
Josh Baker joined the u21’s  last season and was the youngest player in the squad at just 17 years of age and is a measured full back who can play on the left or right hand side of defence
Ash La Van also joined the u21’s last season and plays either behind the striker in the hole or as a striker, strong on the ball and a proven goal scorer having scored 12 goals in only 7 appearances
New Aycliffe Manager Dan Mellanby has made no secret of his desire to utilise more local based players this term, with his goal to give the people of Aycliffe a team they can be proud of.
Mellanby said “these lads have come in and done really well pre-season. They absolutely fit the bill for us in that they are young and athletic with a great desire to do well for their hometown Club. They will be involved in the pre-season games programme with every chance of playing Northern League football for Aycliffe this season”.
Chairman of the Juniors, and Manager of the u21s Nige Slatcher is equally pleased to see the partnership working so well: “Both clubs are keen to further develop our partnership following the agreement that NAJFC U21’s would become NAFC official development squad. This approach should ensure that Newton Aycliffe has the best possible opportunity to keep their home grown talent playing for NAFC and not other neighbouring clubs
The first chance to see these lads pull on an Aycliffe shirt will be on July 12th, when the pre season programme kicks off with a trip to Athersley Recreation FC in Barnsley. NAFC have organised a coach to travel to the game with space available for supporters priced at just £10 return. To book a seat please contact Dan Lewis on 07581 784726 or Stephen Cunliffe on 07872 985501.