The 9gc Group are delighted to announce that we recently acquired a shareholder stake in the community interest company of Darlington 1883 Football Club.
The newly formed club were brought into existence this summer following the collapse of the original Darlington Football Club who at that time were a Blue Square Premier outfit. The club were unfortunately relegated four divisions by the English Football Association to the Northern League Division 1 for the start of the 2012/13 season.
The investment in Darlington 1883 FC comes after the 9gc Group decided in July to sever their investment with Blue Square Premier football club, Ebbsfleet United FC. The 9gc Group had bought a stake in the Essex based club back in 2007, however the appeal of being involved in a club closer to the company’s roots was something we felt we couldn’t let pass by.
Following the purchase of shares in Darlington 1883 FC, the 9gc Group continue their investment in sporting organisations with the 9 Hockey Management and 9 Football Management agencies plus Legends Ice Hockey and the hibernated Newcastle Vipers Ice Hockey club being under the group umbrella.
9gc’s Managing Director/CEO Gareth Chalmers said: “The 9gc Group continues to look for new investment opportunities especially in sporting markets. While we enjoyed our investment relationship with Ebbsfleet United FC, the opportunity to invest in my hometown team was something I wanted to pursue as soon as I became aware of the chance.
“I would like to wish Martin Gray, Brian Atkinson and all the players all the best for the club’s inaugural season in the EBAC Northern League Division 1.”
For further information on Darlington 1883 Football Club: www.darlington1883.co.uk.
