Darlington Away Far Travelling Supporters, or DAFTS, are a social group of exiles and long distance fans who travel to Darlington away matches. Born in 1994 the group aims to promote the club and help put supporters in touch to share travelling costs or simply to provide a focal point for a meeting before a game.

DAFTS keeps far flung Darlington supporters up to date through its website and regular newsletters. DAFTS is completely free and every season an information pack goes out to keep supporters in the loop and to help them track down other Darlington supporters in their local area.

DAFTS also run their own excellent website located at www.dafts.co.uk. This was launched in 2001 and has successfully complimented the other Darlington fan websites on the net as well as the official site. The website includes all the group's news and their excellent away grounds guide. These comprehensive guides include information on each of the grounds Darlington will be visiting during the course of the season and, perhaps most importantly, where to get a good pint before the game.

DAFTS aims and principles

• To promote our club (with both future and existing fans)
• To promote the views and rights of all fans (even the opposition)
• Increase numbers and vocal support at matches, home and away
• ncrease friendly contacts with opposition and neutral fans

Prevent exiled Darlo fans sloping off to become:

• Armchair supporters of some 'big club'
• Real supporters of a local club
• A loss to sport altogether (Shopping...)
• A follower of psuedo-sport (synchronised swimming, underwater rugby...)

Methods:
Make it easier for exiled fans to keep the faith, even when Darlo's times are difficult:

• By socialising at matches - see pub and match list and also away guides
• By sharing travel and costs - E-mail for details of fans in your area
• By being kept up-to-date - see this website, newsletters, join Virtual Quakers mailing list

Promote new Darlington fans

• By attracting neutrals or other fans to have Darlo as their 'second team'
• By any type of publicity

Assist away fans:
DAFTS aims to assist supporters in getting to away games using maps, town guides and guidance on beer and food.

DAFTS help the club by:

• Fund-raising for Darlo-based beneficial funds
• Providing advice (we wouldn't have the same clout as individuals)
• Being a good example to show to sponsors and home area fans