NEWCASTLE WOMEN will become the first professional full-time outfit in the women’s game’s third tier next term.
The move follows their promotion to the National League after being crowned Premier Division One North champions last season.
According to the club their female players are due to receive “competitive salaries” and access to “professional treatment and injury prevention facilities”.
It follows a season which saw them break attendance records at matches.
Head coach Becky Langley said: “This is a monumental moment for Newcastle United Women and the FA Women’s National League.
“We hope to be a leading light in the movement towards professionalism in the women’s game and inspire women and girls who dream of pursuing a career in football.
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“We have worked incredibly hard to get here.”
In April Newcastle set a new crowd record for a women’s fourth tier clash when they thrashed Bradford.
A total of 24,092 fans filled the stands at St James’ Park with the players hammering their rivals 6-1.
Last May they broke the previous record for crowd turnout at a Magpies women’s game when 22,134 fans flocked to the stadium to watch them.
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Back then the team beat Alnwick Town Ladies 4-0 at the home of their Premier League counterparts
And club co-owner Amanda Staveley watching was among the spectators watching from the stands.
Before then their previous club record crowd number stood at 2,754.
This was the total number that watched their 1-0 loss to Ipswich Town in the FA Cup last January.
However next season the team will continue to play home fixtures at Kingston Park.
The 10,200-capacity ground is shared with rugby sides Newcastle Falcons and Newcastle Thunder.
Dan Ashworth, Newcastle’s sporting director, added: “The success of Newcastle United Women is an integral part of our sporting objectives and we are delighted to support the team’s progress by building a professional model around them.
“Becky and the players have shown incredible dedication.
“Turning full-time will enable them to fully concentrate on their careers and the next chapter of Newcastle United Women as fully supported professionals.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
