Last weekend we heard of the tragic news that a popular member of Whitehaven AFC, Darren Buchanan, had suddenly and unexpectedly passed away. 

Darren has been at the club for a number of years and had fulfilled numerous roles within the club. Darren coached various age groups and teams for a number of years with a large number of these players, remaining within the game due to his influence.    

Most recently he was one of the club’s pan-disability team coaches, coached the girls U11s team and was acting as a mentor and entry level coach at the youngest age groups for both boys and girls. 

He was quiet and unassuming in his approach.  If something needed done, he just got on and did it.   Whether that be helping to re-shape the structure of the club or fixing a wheel on a goal. 

His family were also heavily involved in the grassroots game with his wife Juliet acting as the welfare officer at Whitehaven, whilst his son also assisted him with coaching the pan-disability team.   

Darren will be sadly missed by all who knew him and everyone’s thoughts from Cumberland FA are with his family and friends at this difficult time. 

As a tribute a period of applause will be held ahead of numerous games, across the county, this weekend.  

Ben Snowdon, Cumberland FA CEO commented “Whilst football certainly isn’t important at this time, it can hopefully offer some comfort to those loved ones to know that the grassroots game, that Darren clearly cared so much about, wishes to recognise, remember and pay tribute to a member of the grassroots family.”    

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