Harvey Madden Award - 2026 Winner
The Harvey Madden Award for Outstanding Contribution is presented annually at the end of each season to an individual or group who has played a pivotal role for the Club across the season.
Kirsty Madden, daughter of administrator Harvey who was a key factor in saving the Club in 2012, said: "When my dad passed away in 2015, we wanted to put something in place, not just for the glory on the field, but the glory behind the field because the club would be nothing if it wasn't for the support that comes from the stand."
The inaugural winner of the award in 2014/15 was Men’s First Team manager Martin Gray for his effort in guiding the Club to another promotion and into the EvoStik Premier Division.
Other previous winners of the award are:
2015/16 - The DFC Media Team
2016/17 - Glen & Mary Bowes
2017/18 - John Tempest
2018/19 - Lynn Jasper
2019/20 - Neil Raper
2020/21 - No award presented
2021/22 - James Charlton
2022/23 - Kevin Luff
2023/24 - Joanne Cameron
2024/25 - Wayne Raper
For 2025/26, Darlington fans were asked again to nominate who they thought were worthy recipients of the Harvey Madden Award via submissions through YOURCLUB.
The amount of nominations received was very impressive and a whole range of brilliant volunteers were put forward for consideration.
The Harvey Madden Award panel, made up of DFCSG board members and fans (Andy Clarke, Cheryl Pattison, David Steel, Joanne Cameron, Liam Tinkler, Richard Baker, Mick Dawson and Stuart Armstrong), deliberated over every single nomination and then each suggested who they thought should take the award for 2025/26.
Despite the amazing range of options open to the panel and the potential of numerous winners, a decision was made by the panel to award Terry Farley the trophy for 2025/26.
Chief Executive David Johnston presented Terry with the Harvey Madden Award trophy at the Oxford City game on Saturday 25th April 2026.
Here are some of the comments left by those DFC fans who nominated Terry this year:
- "Terry has been a long-standing and dedicated member of the club, consistently giving his time and effort behind the scenes. One of his most valued contributions is the care and attention he gives to referees on matchdays. He ensures they are welcomed, looked after, and supported, helping to create a professional and respectful environment for officials and the club alike..."
- "The man is a legend! Always a smile on his face and so welcoming in everything he does..."
- "Selfless work and a real club stalwart..."
- "After numerous years as an official chaperone at DFC, Terry - at the fantastic age of 92 - is ending his volunteering at the end of the season. I think it is fitting that he wins the Harvey Madden Award this year for his service and dedication..."
- "His reliability, commitment, and willingness to take on responsibilities, that often go unnoticed, make him a vital part of the club. Terry embodies the spirit of volunteerism and community that this award represents..."
Thank you to everyone who nominated someone and well done to all those volunteers who were put forward for consideration.