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Community focus as Dartford FC celebrate 10 years at Princes Park

There was plenty of reminiscing over the weekend as Dartford FC celebrated 10 years at Princes Park, but time was also made to look forward.

Youngsters were given the chance to show why they could be part of the next generation of football heroes at Saturday’s match against Hemel Hempstead Town, with a fun-filled community session at the stadium before kick-off.

Headlining the activities was a match between the young footballers, followed by a penalty shoot-out. Based on the impressive composure on display, some of the children might be worth a call-up to the England squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Kids, youth coaches and first team players Andy Pugh, Kaka Dembele and Ben Francis celebrate
Kids, youth coaches and first team players Andy Pugh, Kaka Dembele and Ben Francis celebrate

Bubble football was also on offer, and so was foot golf, which has become one of Princes Park’s most popular attractions in recent years.

It was another example of how the £7 million stadium has catered to those beyond Tony Burman’s first team squad since it opened on November 11, 2006.

Last week, Dartford council leader and club director Cllr Jeremy Kite (Con) said: “I think the town needs a football club and Dartford has always been a football town, and I think Princes Park is brilliant. It’s also very rare that you go up there in an evening and there’s not something going on.

Sean Miles, Neil Holland, Geoff Purvor and Mel Cooper, from the Royal British Legion Riders branch
Sean Miles, Neil Holland, Geoff Purvor and Mel Cooper, from the Royal British Legion Riders branch

“There are huge numbers of young people participating, and I am very proud of it.”

For a full report on the Darts’ clash with Hemel Hempstead Town, see Sport.

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