Newcastle United W.F.C.

See also: Newcastle United (disambiguation)

Newcastle United Women's F.C.

Full name	Newcastle United Women's Football Club
Nickname(s)	The Magpies
Founded	1989
Ground	Sport Northumbria, Coach Lane Campus Benton, Newcastle (Capacity: 400)
Manager	Dean Gordon Gary Mutimer league = FA Women's Premier League Northern Division
2008–09	4th, FA Women's Premier League Northern Division
Home colours Away colours

Newcastle United Women's Football Club is an English women's football club, affiliated with Newcastle United F.C. They were founded in 1989.

History

In 1989, Newcastle United W.F.C. was formed and played competitively, their main local rivals being Cowgate Kestrels. In 1996, The pinnacle of this era was undoubtedly their appearance at the world famous Wembley Stadium. Prior to the Newcastle United v Manchester United FA Charity Shield match the girls took on a Manchester United women’s side, 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 with a thriving youth set up and use of the excellent facilities at University of Northumbria.

During 2001, The club was now 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 also won the Rutherford International Tournament beating Penrith 4–0 in the final.

The club was now seen as a major force in women’s football running teams from under 10's, 12's, 13's, 14's and three open age squads with over 120 club members and 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, winning 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 now recognised by The Football Association for good practice and coach development and gained the prestigious FA Charter Standard Award.

Following a Northern Combination League runners up spot behind Stockport County in 2003, the elusive promotion into the FA Women's Premier League Northern Division was eventually secured in the season 2004–05 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 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 on a high 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.

Current squad

Players used in 2009/10

Note: Flags indicate national team as has been defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Position Player GK Laura Wareham GK Jess Geoghegan DF Rachel Coleman DF Sarah Eadon DF Rae Taylor DF Samantha Campion DF Lauren Weedy DF Amber Whitely DF Sarah Wilson MF Rachel Furness MF Steph Eadon MF Natalie Henderson MF Lane Latif MF Aimee Morrison

No. Position Player MF Steph O'Brien MF Stephanie Ord MF Claire Pitt MF Kelly Ridley MF Naomi Robson MF Lucy Watson MF Sophia Riccio MF Natalie Sage FW Melanie Reay FW Stacey Crooks FW Bethanie Gardener FW Nichole Havery FW Lindsey McCubbin FW Dannika Purdham

Honours

• Combination League:

Runners-up: 2003–04

• Combination League Cup:

2004–05

• Northern Combination League Cup:

1998–99

• Northumberland FA Senior Cup: 5

2000–01, 2001–02, 2002–03, 2003–04, 2004–05.

• Y.E.S Cup (Year of Exercise and Sport):

2006–07

• Lloret Cup:

2003–04

• Nationwide Club of the Year:

2006–07

• John O'Farrell Charity Cup:

2009–10

External links

• nuwfc.co.uk Official Club website
• Newcastle United Official website