We are thrilled to be hosting our first international, says Dartford co-chairman Bill Archer

The Football Association has confirmed that the International Challenge Trophy Semi Final between England C and Turkey will take place at Dartford’s Princes Park on Tuesday 5 February 2013.


Manager Paul Fairclough is eagerly looking forward to the challenge after successfully guiding the Three Lions through the group stage, which featured games against Italy, Russia and Belgium. 

And he knows that it will be a tough task for his squad, selected from players under the age of 23 below the Football League structure.

He told www.thefa.com: “We are aware that Turkey will be bringing a strong side packed with players from their top division clubs but we will relish the challenge that this will present.

"We hope that Kent football people will turn out in force to support the side and spur them onto what will be our third successive Final, no mean feat when you consider the level of opposition that we face in this Tournament.”

Dartford’s co-Chairman Bill Archer added:  "We are delighted to be hosting this fantastic fixture and I know that everyone at Princes Park will pull out all the stops to make it an evening to remember.

"We have a modern, family friendly set-up here at Princes Park which makes it an ideal showcase for big games and we are thrilled to be hosting our first international. Our town has fallen back in love with football since we opened our new stadium and I know there will be a huge demand from local people to see England take on Turkey.

"We are especially grateful to The FA for giving us the opportunity to host this prestigious match and to contribute to this wonderful competition. We will repay their confidence by being great hosts. "

Admission for the game will be free, although tickets will be issued by the Blue Square Bet (Conference) Premier club. Ticketing arrangements will be announced in the new year.

Article courtesy of http://www.thefa.com/England/england-c/News/2012/turkey-game-set-for-dartford-191212.aspx