Newton Aycliffe FC & Newton Aycliffe Juniors have today announced details of a new and exciting partnership to run a ‘Development’ side, leading eventually to a full reserve/ youth pathway through to the First Team.
Initially the team will play in the Durham County U21 league, but the exciting plans will eventually take the team into the Durham Alliance League, following the path taken by the first team.
Already four of the current members of the NAJFC u21s have made the first team, and it is hoped that by establishing a formal partnership, it will offer more opportunities for the most talented local young players to see a clear route into Northern League football here in Newton Aycliffe.
Newton Aycliffe FC have seen a number of first team players lured away by lucrative deals elsewhere in the League, and the hope now  is this partnership will allow the Club to develop more ‘home-grown’ players.
General Manager Dan Lewis commented “This partnership, begins to give us a stronger structure to underpin our first team. Developing home-grown players is a major goal of ours. and the process will ensure there is a structure in place to keep the best local talent within our Club.”
NAJFC Chairman Nige Slatcher commented “It is a big step up to play at Northern league level having just finished playing junior football and we firmly believe this will allow players between 17 and 21 years of age with the correct level of support  to mature physically whilst continuing to develop their skills.”