Moors Academy sides kick-off 2025/26 on Wednesday afternoon when both teams begin their new campaigns on home soil.

Matty Dolan’s New College Durham youngsters will entertain Whitby Town on home soil as they look to build on a competitive season last time out.

Meanwhile, Ben Beals takes charge for the first time as our Bede College side play host to UFCA in their opening fixture in the National Football Youth League.

“It’s really exciting to see how we can step on after a really encouraging 2024/25,” explained Dolan ahead of the New College Durham opener,” said Dolan.

“The lads showed they could compete at this level and produced some really good performances last year, so now it’s about backing that up this time around.

“They have been training well, and I know there’s a good focus about the lads so now it’s about taking that work into Wednesday’s game.”

The link-up between the Club and Bede College is new for 2025/26 and Moors defender Beals is excited to get his teeth into his fresh challenge of coaching the team.

“It’s a privilege for me to lead the team in their first season in the league,” Beals told us.

“Obviously, it’s new for the players and for me but I am encouraged by the work I’ve seen so far and it’s going to be great to see how the lads get on.

“We know we’ll face challenges throughout the year, but I think we’ve got the ability and character to tackle them head on and have a really positive season.”

Both games kick-off at 1.30pm at the respective Colleges.

If your child is in Year 11 and interested in attending New College Durham or Bede Sixth Form College, Billingham contact [email protected] for more information on how to get involved.