Let's make it an evening everyone at Dartford will never forget, says academy coach Deren Ibrahim

DARTFORD academy coach Deren Ibrahim says it will be a special night when the club play Chelsea.

The Darts lock horns with the Premier League giants in The FA Youth Cup Third Round next Thursday, 12 December (7:30pm).

The match will take place at Aldershot Town’s ground on the High Street and admission is free for all supporters.

Chelsea were beaten finalists in last year’s FA Youth Cup, having been winners in 2010 and 2012.  In total the Stamford Bridge outfit have lifted the trophy four times with consecutive triumphs in 1960 and 1961.

“I can’t wait for the game,” said Ibrahim, 22, a goalkeeper who is dual-registered with Dartford’s first team squad and Ryman League Division One South side Leatherhead.

“The draw was made pretty early so we had to go through two rounds against Christchurch and Grays knowing that there was a possibility of Chelsea and now we have finally got there.

“Everyone has been buzzing at Dartford. It will be a great occasion for everyone involved at the club.”

It isn’t every day that a Kent club play against one of the Premier League elite clubs – but Ibrahim is relishing the opportunity.

He said: “We expect Chelsea to be full of quality all around the pitch from goalkeeper to strikers.

“It’s going to be a great task ahead for the boys to test themselves against not only the best youth players in England but up there with the best youth players in the world.

“We’ll have a game plan that we’ll try and stick to just like any game we prepare for.

“Obviously this one is a little bit more special as it’s Chelsea, but first and foremost we’ll tell the boys to go and play the occasion rather than letting the occasion play them.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for them to play in a game of this nature so early on in their careers.”

First team manager Tony Burman and first team coach Steve Mosely are actively involved in Dartford’s Academy. 

Ibrahim said: “Our aim is to try and develop players for Dartford’s first team so it’s another opportunity for our boys to show people what they are capable of.

“Tony Burman has a massive influence not only on the team but the whole academy!

“He is the first person in and the last person out every day. He is always in training sessions on a daily basis.

“It’s been a huge benefit for the players as every day they have to try and give their all to try and impress and force their way eventually into his players and it has showed in the likes of Ronnie Vint, Femi Akinwande and Becka-kah Dembele all travelling with the first team squad this season.

“The aim of our academy is to develop players to play for Dartford’s first team and having Tony Burman and Steve Mosely part of the set-up can only benefit the club as a whole.”

Ibrahim added: “We have many players pushing hard for a place in his squad, either players who are in our academy now or players who progressed through our academy and now on loan in the Ryman Premier.  They all want to play for Dartford. Let’s be honest who wouldn’t want to play for the club?

“It’s got a fantastic history and yes they may be struggling now but the effort everyone puts in around the place I’m sure it won’t be long before they start climbing up the league where they belong.”

Dartford have struggled for the first time since moving into Princes Park Stadium in 2006 and are in the bottom two in The Skrill Premier with 18 points from 22 games. 

The Darts are two points adrift of safety and travel to seventh-placed Barnet – who are managed by Dutch legend Edgar Davids – on Saturday.

Back to the Chelsea game, Ibrahim hopes many of the club’s supporters make the trip to Aldershot to watch this once in a lifetime encounter.

He said: “From a personal point of view and on behalf of all the players and staff at Dartford academy I would like to say a massive thank you to all the fans who have made trips to our previous round games and hope many more can travel to watch our game next Thursday and let’s make it an evening everyone at Dartford Football Club will never forget.”

Visit Dartford’s website: www.dartfordfconline.com

Chelsea  v  Dartford
The FA Youth Cup Third Round
Thursday 12^th December 2013
Kick Off 7:30pm
at Aldershot Town FC, High Street, Aldershot, Hampshire GU11 1TW