Darlington Joins World Cup Countdown

The Mulheim Union 09 team, from Darlington’s twin town, will be visiting to play two matches and visit professional stadiums in the region.

Twenty-one members of the Mulheim team, including players, leaders and their coaches, are visiting Darlington for four days and will play two matches against Darlington teams during their stay.

The first is on Friday May 12 at 1.30pm at Eastbourne Sports Complex when a Darlington Schools Team will take on the Mulheim team.

The German team will play again on Saturday May 13 at Darlington Railway Athletic Club when they take on the Darlington Spraire Lads at 12.45pm.

Entrance to both matches is free.

On Saturday evening the players will enjoy a live music night at the Forum in Borough Road. Doors open at 7pm and there is a buffet.  Tickers are £6 adults, £3 concessions and players get in free.

During their visit, the young footballers will also meet the Mayor Stella Robson, visit Rileys Snooker Hall and Sunderland’s Stadium of Light.

The visit was organised by the Town Twinning Association, with help from the Darlington Community Partnerships Steering Group (CPSG).

It is supported by Darlington Council, the County Durham Foundation, Community Partnerships, Richardson Construction, Rileys, Darlington Railway Athletic Club, Technocopy and South West Durham Training.

Chairman of the CPSG,  Martin Landers said: “This is a very exiting project. To be able to stage an international football match between German and English school boys just before the World Cup will give the town a real buzz of excitement”

Whatever the result, Union 09 have invited teams back for competition in Mulheim in August.