Darlington's American Football Club is celebrating after steaming ahead to the top of the adult league.

The adult team is one of three teams the Darlington Steam American Football Club has fielded in competitive games in the 2024 season. 

Club chairman Lee Kelly said: “This year is the most teams we have ever had at one point. This is our Under 12's Flag, Under 17s Contact and our Adult Contact team.(Image: Jade Kelly)

“With two of these teams working on full league participation for the 2025 season, our associate process saw the Under 11's come 3rd place – winning three out of the five games they played in.

“Our Under 17s team took part in hosting their own home tournament and won both games quite convincingly and going and playing two other tournaments at other teams' venues.

"With the under 17s playing against long-running teams and going undefeated, we got a lot of praise from other teams complimenting us on our team performance."(Image: Jade Kelly)

He added: "The adult team has played an outstanding season going undefeated until their last game which was on July 21.

“This was against Gateshead Senators and was a brutal battle with it being very close but ultimately Gateshead won that game.

“With this final game we were tied against Gateshead with a record of seven wins and one loss, but we ultimately took the win in our head-to-head games as our first game against them we beat them by 26 points.(Image: Jade Kelly)

“This means that we are the NFC 2 East Champions and we have our upcoming quarter-final game on August 11."

Mr Kelly said the club has been putting a lot of work into the community, to increase exposure to the sport being played in Darlington while also offering a sport that has a place for everyone.

"We are trying everything we can to make it available to anyone no matter background or financial capability," he said.

(Image: Contributor)

(Image: Jade Kelly)

"We have worked very closely with the Move More program put on by Darlington Borough Council and have put on our own sessions for young people to take part in the Flag or Contact version of American Football."

"A lot of our programs take place throughout the holidays offering free sessions for young people to come on down and enjoy themselves, we also have started to take some sessions in school and offer PE sessions that involve American Football. Our aim is to not ever turn away any child."(Image: Jade Kelly)

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(Image: Jade Kelly)

The club is looking for help in running sessions or help with funding/sponsorship that will allow the club to continue our mission and develop as a whole.

For more information on playing, sponsorship, volunteering or more contact the club at hello@darlingtonsteam.com.