Football club
Newcastle United Womens' Football Club is a professional English women's football club, affiliated with Newcastle United F.C. They were founded in 1989 and are based at the Newcastle United Academy Training Centre, Benton, Newcastle upon Tyne, and play their home matches at Kingston Park, Kingston Park, Newcastle upon Tyne. They are currently members of the FA Women's National League North.
In the summer of 2016, they became officially affiliated with Newcastle United F.C, operating independently with the support of the Newcastle United Foundation. In August 2022, restructuring meant that the women's team was brought under the complete ownership of Newcastle United, with plans to transition to full-time football.[2]
History
In 1989, Newcastle United W.F.C. was formed. In 1996, the team played at Wembley, prior to the Newcastle men's team vs Manchester United FA Charity Shield match as a curtain raiser, the team played Manchester United, losing 2–0.
In 1999, the club achieved promotion to the Northern Combination Women's Football League from the NWRFL and also won the league cup. The club continued to grow creating youth set up based at University of Northumbria.
During 2001, the club was well established in the top half of the Northern Combination League, and through its partnership with Newcastle City Council's Football Development Scheme, a five-year plan was put in place in August to reach the FA Women's Premier League. Those five years have seen the club achieve major success on and off the field, winning the Northumberland FA Senior Cup on a record five consecutive occasions.
The club became a major force in women's football running teams from Under 10s, U12s, U13s, U14s, and three open age squads with over 120 club members. During 2003–04 season they finished runners up behind Stockport County in the Northern Combination League. In 2004, the club ventured into European competition entering the Lloret Cup, Barcelona, won the competition and also the fair play award. The club has also played in the MIC in Barcelona against International players from Mexico, Spain and Sweden.
The club was recognised by The Football Association for good practice and coach development and won the FA Charter Standard Award.
Following a Northern Combination League runners up spot behind Stockport County in 2003, the club gained promotion to the FA Women's Premier League Northern Division on the back of the league's best defensive record of only conceding 16 goals in 18 games. In May the club was recognised for its achievements and was given a civic reception to mark the occasion of being presented with the League Trophy and NFA Senior Cup. In June, to the delight of all members past and present, the club was renamed Newcastle United Women's Football Club.
In July, the club launched the official NUWFC website.
During the 2006–07 season, the club preserved its Premier League status, finishing a creditable 8th, and reached the FA Women's Cup quarter finals for the first time ever, losing to Liverpool 9–8 on penalties following a 2–2 draw. The final away game of the season took place at Ewood Park against champions elect Blackburn Rovers. In May the club was honoured by The Football Association and received the Nationwide Club of the Year award in London.
The club ended the season winning their first ever international trophy by lifting the Y.E.S. Cup (Year of Exercise and Sport) beating Liverpool, FC Barcelona Femenino and Gateshead Academy over the three-day event.
In August 2013 the club has announced a deal which saw Wonga.com become the club's principal sponsor for the 2013/14 season. This is the first time that an official Newcastle United sponsor has also committed themselves to the women's team, demonstrating the growing importance nationally of women's football.[3]
In the 2015–16 season the club achieved their highest ever finish in the third tier of Women's football, finishing 9th under manager Thomas Butler. As well as the first team securing their highest ever finish, they also reached the semi-final of the FAWPL Plate, where they were defeated by Enfield Town. The club's development side went on to win the FA Women's Premier League Reserve Division Northern under the management team of Andrew Inness and Alex Curran.
In the pre-season of 2016, there was a change of management at the club. Former Newcastle United and Sunderland Ladies player, Victoria Greenwell, taking over as first team manager. Jill Stacey took over as development team manager, retaining Alex Curran and adding Ross Flintoft to the coaching set up.
From 2017, Newcastle United Women became part of Newcastle United Foundation, the registered charity arm of Newcastle United FC, although still remaining independently owned.
From the 2019–20 season, a two-year strategic partnership was announced with Newcastle United Foundation and Northumbria University to provide Strength and Conditioning, Performance Analysis and Physiotherapy support for the team. In addition, the new Head of Women's Football at Northumbria University, Becky Langley, assumed a dual responsibility to manage and lead Newcastle United Women combined with leading Northumbria University Performance Football squads.[4]
On 1 May 2022, Newcastle United Women played their first game at St James Park, attracting a crowd of 22,134. The team won 4–0 against Alnwick Town Ladies.[5] Following promotion to the third tier at the end of the 2022–23 season, the club turned professional, becoming the first professional side to compete in the English women's third tier.[6][7]
