Shildon AFC is pleased to confirm the appointment of Darren Craddock as the club’s new Director of Youth Football.
Darren arrives with a wealth of experience drawn from both the professional game and many years working within grassroots and academy environments. Highly driven and naturally approachable, he brings a genuine passion for youth development and a commitment to creating the same positive experiences that shaped his own playing journey.
A firm believer in developing the person as well as the player, Darren will embed this philosophy across all Shildon AFC Youth teams. His background in mental health services and learning disabilities gives him a well‑rounded skill set that supports the holistic growth of every young person in the programme.
As a former Shildon AFC player, Darren understands the club’s identity and embodies its core values of hard work, respect and community spirit. His ambition is clear: to provide football opportunities for all children in the area while building a strong pathway into Shildon AFC for talented young players.
Reflecting on his appointment, Darren said:
“I’m delighted to be back at Shildon AFC, working with our youth players and dedicated coaches to create a positive and supportive environment for children in our area. We want every young person to enjoy the full range of experiences football can offer — helping them grow, learn and develop both on and off the pitch. Our aim is to build a club that truly reflects our community: built on hard work, honesty, respect and a deep pride in our town.”
Shildon AFC is proud to welcome Darren back to the club and looks forward to the positive impact he will bring to our youth programme.
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