The aim of a National League Football Academy is to provide an environment and player pathway which allows club's to develop and produce more and better home-grown players, says Dartford coach Gary Owers

DARTFORD are one of 22 National League clubs that have been granted an Academy Licence for the inaugural National League Football Academy League.

Starting on 11 September 2019, the League will be formed of two regional divisions – 12 teams in the South and 10 in the North – and clubs will participate in an additional cup competition.

Dartford’s head of player development Gary Owers told www.dartfordfc.com: “The National League and National League Youth Alliance is committed to youth development.

“As part of our ongoing strategic approach we have implemented a scheme for clubs to demonstrate their own commitment to raising and maintaining standards in this area.

“The licencing process involved club’s meeting required criteria set by The National League.

“The aim of a National League Football Academy is to provide an environment and player pathway which allows club's to develop and produce more and better home-grown players”.

Dartford’s director and ex first-team manager Tony Burman added: “I am delighted that all the hard work that the players and coaching staff from the development squads through to the academy have put in over the years, means that we have been awarded this licence.

“It is a step in the right direction having the academy from our under 7’s to under 19’s authorised with a recognised licence from the National League.”

National League Football Academy North: AFC Fylde, Alfreton Town, Boston United, Chester, Darlington, FC Halifax Town, Guiseley,  Hartlepool United, Solihull Moors, York City.

National League Football Academy South:  Aldershot Town, Boreham Wood, Bromley, Chippenham Town, Dartford, Dover Athletic, Hampton & Richmond Borough, Maidenhead United, Oxford City, Sutton United, Weston-super-Mare, Woking.

Visit Dartford’s website: www.dartfordfc.com