Joel Darlington suffered a back injury that led him to suffer anxiety

A talented footballer who represented his country at youth level killed himself after suffering a series of long-term injuries.

Joel Darlington, 20, was found by his brother Kyran hanged at home in Gellifor, North Wales, on March 18 along with several suicide notes.

He was considered a future star of football after trialling for Manchester United and playing for Wales.

However, he suffered from anxiety and dropped out of college courses when he suffered a back injury.


His parents Shaun Darlington and Dawn Davies were not at the inquest into his death where the coroner heard the case.

His mother prepared a statement outlining her son’s sporting achievements.

He played for Bala Town FC but had trials for Manchester United (Picture: Bala Town FC)

She said Joel was a former pupil of Rhos Street Primary School and Ysgol Brynhyfryd, Ruthin, and he played for local junior sides from a young age and his training impacted on his social life.



His trials with Manchester United ended when he broke his arm and he also had trials with Shrewsbury. He joined Bala Town’s academy and was their top scorer in 2016-17. He left for a while to play for Denbigh Town but then returned to the Gwynedd Premiership club.

In June, 2017, he had a back pain which was diagnosed as possible scar tissue from a slipped disc, and when physiotherapy failed to improve things in the long-term he sought other solutions including acupuncture.

Mrs Davies said that Joel did not return to Yale College in October, 2018, and suffered from anxiety. He withdrew from social life but appeared more positive about his future.

On the day before his death he spoke positively to his father about his future.

He also played for Wales at youth level (Picture: Halal FC)

Following his death Andy Kelly, Bala Town’s academy administrator, described him as ‘an exceptional talent’.

He said: ‘He was a pleasure for me to watch and coach during my time with him.’

Wynne Davies, chairman of Ruthin Youth team, said that Joel had almost single-handedly won the League for the side when playing for the club’s under-12s.

He said: ‘He had two great feet and was equally comfortable dribbling and shooting with either.’

Need support? Contact the Samaritans For emotional support you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.