Over the years we have received numerous requests from within the club and from without to have an under 18 floodlit team representing Darlaston Town FC. To fund and run a team at this level is a massive task requiring at least 6 people to help run matchday activities including staffing the gate, running the bar, preparing hospitality as well as first aid, managing the team, cleaning the dressing rooms, transporting players to away games etc.

It has always been the committee's wish to run a midweek side in the hope that it might provide further opportunities for young players but hopefully provide players good enough for the first team. Unfortunately until this season the committee were not satisfied that teams applying could meet the demanding criteria, to run and fund every element needed.

However, last season's Midland Junior Premier League Under 17s manager Dave Clarke satisfied the committee that his team and parents and supporters could meet the demands needed. Consequently the committee agreed to go ahead with an under 18 floodlit team.

We heard this week that the Under 18 side were accepted into the Midland Floodlit Youth League and were placed in the West Division. It is likely that home games will be played on Thursday evenings with the season starting in August.

Further details, fixtures and results will be published soon.