Darlaston currently play in the West Midlands Regional League - Premier Division and are managed by Andy Parkes and will provide plenty of competition for an as-yet unnamed Saddlers XI as they continue to develop their Bentley Road North-based ground.
Match Info
at: The Paycare Ground
on: Tuesday, 5th November 2019
K/O: 7.45pm
on: Tuesday, 5th November 2019
K/O: 7.45pm
Shortly after the club was re-formed nearly six years ago the Committee and Directors had the foresight to create a Development Account and redirect funds and profits into that account for future club and ground development.
When they first returned to competitive football they rented a ground and it was not until January 2015 when they moved to Bentley Leisure Pavilion that they were in a position to improve their facilities.
The Directors and Committee agreed that our aim was to improve the facilities to a minimum of Step 6 level in the National League System. This is the equivalent of the West Midlands Regional League Premier Division.
In doing so, that when the first team were ready for promotion the club could return to the same level as it was in 2013 when it folded. The club continued its Affiliation to the Birmingham County FA so whilst the club did not play in the 2013/14 season the club's 140+ year FA affiliation was uninterrupted.
Over the last 4 years or so the club has through investing its own Development funds and with the help of some grant funding spending nearly £200,000 on improving the 8 dressing rooms, 2 match officials rooms and showers.
Laying hard standing, erecting post and rails around the main pitch along with, a stand and covered terracing, new goal posts, new dug outs, new boiler room, refurbished toilets, new equipment as well as significantly improving all four football pitches.
Darlo's facilities exceed Step 6 requirements by some distance now and are well placed to meet Step 5 requirements as and when required.
Laying hard standing, erecting post and rails around the main pitch along with, a stand and covered terracing, new goal posts, new dug outs, new boiler room, refurbished toilets, new equipment as well as significantly improving all four football pitches.
Darlo's facilities exceed Step 6 requirements by some distance now and are well placed to meet Step 5 requirements as and when required.
Following the announcement in May 2019 of the club's promotion to the West Midlands Regional League Premier Division the club set about the installation of floodlights so that our goal of achieving the minimum Step 6 grading for their facilities.
The club originally anticipated spending £75,000 but the actual cost was significantly less, in the region of £65,000, with the club contributing approx £20,000 from its Development Fund, the balance funded by the Football Foundation.
Darlaston Chairman Neil Chambers, speaking via the Saddlers' official website, said; "We are delighted that Walsall has agreed to send a side to officially open our new lights with a game against our first team.
"Secretary Dan Mole and manager Darrell Clarke have been a delight to work with and have been most accommodating.
"It is a very special time in the club's history as we are the first and only venue in Bentley to have floodlights.
"In the years to come 100s of local youngsters will benefit. The occasion will be very special and we hope to attract supporters of both clubs."
Darlaston Chairman Neil Chambers, speaking via the Saddlers' official website, said; "We are delighted that Walsall has agreed to send a side to officially open our new lights with a game against our first team.
"Secretary Dan Mole and manager Darrell Clarke have been a delight to work with and have been most accommodating.
"It is a very special time in the club's history as we are the first and only venue in Bentley to have floodlights.
"In the years to come 100s of local youngsters will benefit. The occasion will be very special and we hope to attract supporters of both clubs."