A GROUP of schoolchildren will take part in a penalty shoot-out competition on Darlington’s The Northern Echo Arena pitch tomorrow.

The youngsters will have a go before Quakers’ Blue Square Premier League game against Hayes and Yeading, with the winner receiving a signed Darlington shirt.

The competition is part of the revamped Soccer Club which sees children enjoy a matchday experience.

Neil Maddison hosts the six-hour club for seven to 13-year-olds every Saturday, which includes a 90-minute coaching session at Hummersknott School in the town.

The children are then taken to the club’s Understand Centre in the stadium, where they have their lunch and can enjoy games and play on Wiis, PlayStations and computers, before watching the game at the Arena.

Maddison has now introduced the penalty shoot-out feature as part of an action-packed day.

“It’s a whole day and all the children really do enjoy themselves,” says Maddison. “The emphasis is on fun, that the children have a great time and go away with a smile on their face.

“They love the football but the games keep them entertained and the new penalty shoot-out will go down a treat with the youngsters while keeping the crowd entertained at the same time!”

■ The Saturday Club on home matchdays costs £15 each and starts at 11.30am with a coaching session and finishes at 5.30pm after the game.

All children can be collected from the ground at 11am and must take their own shirt, shorts, socks, trainers, warm clothes, shin pads, plenty of drinks and a packed lunch.

To book a place or for more details, call Darlington’s youth department on 01325-387015.