SUNDERLAND WOMEN’S FOOTBALL CLUB
The first team, now in the National Premier Division, play all of their home matches at the Hetton Centre Ground, generally starting at 2 00 pm on Sundays. Games against Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool and Everton will be amongst those played over the 2009/10 season.
Admission for spectators is £3 for adults, £1 for children, programmes included.
For further details and information visit their website at www.sunderlandwfc.co.uk View Sunderland Women's Website
HISTORY OF SUNDERLAND WOMEN
Sunderland Women have been for the last 9 years, the highest ranking women’s football team in the North East.
Sunderland Women were formed 9 years ago when East Durham Houghall Kestrels and Sunderland Ladies combined to come under the umbrella of ‘Sunderland Women’. Prior to this their roots lay in Tyneside with Blyth Spartans Kestrels.
Since the merger Sunderland Women FC have consistently performed to a very high standard. They have played four seasons in the Northern Division and three seasons in the Women’s Premier League.
In the seasons 2002/2003 and 2003/2004 Sunderland Women finished runners up in the Northern Division, only just missing promotion to the premiership on both occasions.
Season 2004 – 2005 saw Sunderland secure promotion to the Premier League winning the Northern Division by 6 clear points. For the first time in their history they reached the quarter finals of the Women’s FA Cup, only losing to a strong Charlton team in the last few minutes of the game.
Season 2005 – 2006 ended with the club retaining their position in the top flight despite losing the financial backing of parent club SAFC.
Season 2006 – 2007 – Sunderland were relegated to the Premier Northern Division.
Season 2007 – 2008 – Due to relegation Sunderland Women lost some of their international players but after a disappointing start to the campaign Sunderland finished third in the Northern Division and was looking to build on their position.
Season 2008 - 2009 – One of the most successful seasons for the club gaining an increased local and national profile. Sunderland Women FC achieved runners up in the FA Women's cup final after losing 2-1 to National Premier League Champions Arsenal, also receiving the E.ON Team of the Round Award twice. Secured promotion back to the National Premier League after winning the Northern Division and Manager Mick Mulhern received Tesco Manager of the Year at the FA Women's Football Awards.
Sunderland Women currently have two England U23s internationals, five in the England Under 19 squad, together with 2 players in the England Under 17 squad. Alongside Everton, Leeds and Birmingham Sunderland have supplied more players into the England International set up than any other clubs in the whole league structure.
We also have a highly successful reserve team who have secured their place in Division 1 of the Premier League Northern/Midlands Section after winning the Division 2 title.
With the recent retirement of Vik Akers (Arsenal Ladies FC Manager) Sunderland Women FC’s Manager, Mick Mulhern is now currently the longest serving manager in the league (10 years at end of September).
Honours
Premier League Northern Division Winners 1999/2000, 2004/2005, 2008/2009
Premier League Northern Division Runners Up 1998/1999, 2002/2003, 2003/2004
UMBRO Most Improved Team 1999/2000
Premier League Northern/Midlands Reserve Section Winners 2001/2002, 2008/2009
Premier League Northern/Midlands Reserve Section Runners Up 2003/2004
FA Women's Cup 2008/2009 - Runners up
E.ON Team of the Round Award (twice) 2008/2009
Tesco manager of the Year Award 2008/2009 |
