Newcastle United Women's Football Club will train and play its matches at the Academy this season



Newcastle United Women's Football Club will train and play its matches at the Newcastle United Football Club Academy this season after formalising its relationship with Newcastle United and Newcastle United Foundation.

Formed in 1989, Newcastle United Women's Football Club will use the Little Benton complex - home to Newcastle United's elite youngsters up to the age of under-21 - for FA Women's Premier League Northern Division, reserve and cup games, as well as extending its training at the site to twice a week.

As well as benefiting from pristine pitches and changing facilities, players will receive kit in the same way as their male counterparts, with match and training wear arriving direct from sports lifestyle brand PUMA under the sponsorship of Newcastle United's principal partner, Wonga.

As the season progresses, Newcastle United and Newcastle United Foundation will also be sharing media and marketing contacts and expertise, assisting the women's team in promoting matches, increasing attendances and boosting female participation in the region.

To further strengthen links between Newcastle United Women's Football Club and Newcastle United Foundation, the Foundation's Lisa Bell - a former Newcastle United Women's Football Club captain - will take a role on their board.

Working together, the two organisations will build a pathway for young female players in the North-East, culminating in an application for FA Talent Centre status within two years.

"We are hugely excited and very grateful to be working closely with Newcastle United and to tap into resources which will really help our club and players to progress," said Newcastle United Women's Football Club's Anthony Rutherford.

"There is huge potential for Newcastle United Women's Football Club going into the new season and beyond and we are very much looking forward to working with our counterparts at Newcastle United to make sure that is realised."

Kate Bradley, head of Newcastle United Foundation, added: "We see hundreds of talented girls every month through our school and community coaching programmes.

"The aim is to inspire all girls to enjoy the game and to help as many as possible from our region reach their potential and go on and play for Newcastle United Women's Football Club and even England."

To find out more about Newcastle United Women's Football Club, visit www.newcastleunitedwfc.com.