Sunderland A.F.C. Women
{{About|the women's football club|the men's football club|Sunderland A.F.C.}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2020}}
{{Infobox football club
| nickname = The Lasses
| ground = Eppleton Colliery Welfare Ground
| capacity = 2,500 (250 seated)
| current = 2024-25 Sunderland A.F.C. Women season
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| leftarm1 = FFFFFF
| body1 = FFFFFF
| rightarm1 = FFFFFF
| shorts1 = 000000
| socks1 = FF0000
| pattern_la2 = _sunderland2425a
| pattern_b2 = _sunderland2425a
| pattern_ra2 = _sunderland2425a
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| leftarm2 = 2a2f4f
| body2 = ffffff
| rightarm2 = 2a2f4f
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| pattern_la3 = _sunderland2425t
| pattern_b3 = _sunderland2425t
| pattern_ra3 = _sunderland2425t
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| image = Logo Sunderland.svg
| clubname = Sunderland AFC Women
| fullname = Sunderland Association Football Club Women
| founded = {{Start date and age|df=yes|1989}}
{{nowrap|(as The Kestrels)}}
| manager = Melanie Reay
| league = {{English football updater-W|Sunderla}}
| season = {{English football updater-W|Sunderla2}}
| position = {{English football updater-W|Sunderla3}}
| website = https://www.safc.com/teams/women
}}
Sunderland Association Football Club Women{{cite web |title=Certificate of Incorporation on Change of Name |url=https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/08729214/filing-history/MzM2MzQwMDQzMWFkaXF6a2N4/document?format=pdf |website=find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk |publisher=Companies House |access-date=15 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230815200023/https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/08729214/filing-history/MzM2MzQwMDQzMWFkaXF6a2N4/document?format=pdf |archive-date=15 August 2023 |page=1 |date=22 December 2022}} is an English women's football club that plays in the {{English football updater-W|Sunderla}}. They play their home games at the Eppleton Colliery Welfare Ground in Hetton-le-Hole, in the City of Sunderland, Tyne and Wear.
Sunderland won the FA Women's Premier League Northern Division in 2004–05 to reach the top tier National Division. After relegation in 2007, they returned to the National Division in 2009 and also lost that season's Women's FA Cup final, 2–1 to holders Arsenal at Pride Park Stadium.
The club's bid to join the FA WSL for the initial 2011 season was controversially rejected in favour of the relatively newly formed, but big spending, Manchester City. This decision led to the departure of many star players (3 of whom represented England in the 2015 World Cup) and is thought to have damaged the development of the women's game in the North East for years to come. Despite this they responded by winning the Premier League National Division, which had become the second tier, on three consecutive occasions and also collected the 2011–12 FA Women's Premier League Cup. In 2014 Sunderland were accepted into the second division of a newly expanded FA WSL. They won the league on the final day of the season and were promoted into FA WSL 1 for 2015.
At the end of the 2017–18 season, Sunderland A.F.C. Ladies were unsuccessful with their application for a license in both FA Women's Super League and FA Women's Championship, meaning the Lady Black Cats, were demoted to the FA Women's National League North, for the 2018–19 season. In 2021, the club made a successful application to join the FA Women’s Championship, resulting in their promotion to join the league for the 2021-2022 season.
History
=Early history=
The Football Association (FA) banned affiliated referees from officiating women's football matches and affiliated grounds and pitches from hosting them from 1921 to 1970.{{cite web |last1=Wrack |first1=Suzanne |title=How the FA banned women's football in 1921 and tried to justify it |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/jun/13/how-the-fa-banned-womens-football-in-1921-and-tried-to-justify-it |website=The Guardian |access-date=15 August 2023 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220803075904/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/jun/13/how-the-fa-banned-womens-football-in-1921-and-tried-to-justify-it |archive-date=2022-08-03 |date=13 June 2022}}{{cite web |title=Kicking Down Barriers - The story of women's football in England |url=https://www.thefa.com/womens-girls-football/heritage/kicking-down-barriers |website=www.thefa.com |access-date=15 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331163637/https://www.thefa.com/womens-girls-football/heritage/kicking-down-barriers |archive-date=31 March 2023 |language=en}}{{cite news |last1=Wrack |first1=Suzanne |title=Sir Denis Follows: the man who ended the ban on women playing football |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/apr/10/sir-denis-follows-the-man-who-ended-the-ban-on-women-playing-football |access-date=15 August 2023 |work=The Guardian |date=10 April 2020 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230815102734/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/apr/10/sir-denis-follows-the-man-who-ended-the-ban-on-women-playing-football |archive-date=2023-08-15}} The Women's Football Association (WFA) was formed in 1969 to govern Women's football in England until it ceased to exist in 1993, when the FA took over this responsibility.{{cite news |last1=Garry |first1=Tom |title=The truth about how the FA were forced to lift their ban on women's football |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2021/08/26/truth-fa-forced-lift-ban-womens-football1/ |access-date=15 August 2023 |work=The Telegraph |date=26 August 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230414135327/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2021/08/26/truth-fa-forced-lift-ban-womens-football1/ |archive-date=2023-04-14}}{{cite news |last1=Kessel |first1=Anna |title=England women's long, historic journey to meet Germany at Wembley |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/nov/22/england-womens-football-germany-wembley |access-date=15 August 2023 |work=The Observer |date=22 November 2014 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230815102722/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/nov/22/england-womens-football-germany-wembley |archive-date=2023-08-15}}{{cite news |title=Can Grimsby lay claim to a milestone in women's football? |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-humber-16814902 |access-date=15 August 2023 |work=BBC News |date=2 February 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230815104112/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-humber-16814902 |archive-date=15 August 2023 |quote=Spurred on by England's 1966 World Cup win - and in the context of the political and social upheaval of the 1960s - the Women's Football Association was formed with 44 member clubs in 1969.}}
The club began in 1989 as a five-a-side team called The Kestrels.{{multiref2
|1={{cite web |last1=Gutteridge |first1=Susan |title=History |url=http://www.sunderlandwfc.co.uk/swfc_011.htm |website=sunderlandwfc.co.uk |access-date=14 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080724100022/http://www.sunderlandwfc.co.uk/swfc_011.htm |archive-date=24 July 2008}}
|2={{cite web |last1=Gutteridge |first1=Susan |title=History |url=http://www.sunderlandwfc.co.uk/swfc_014.htm |website=sunderlandwfc.co.uk |access-date=14 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101013111946/http://www.sunderlandwfc.co.uk:80/swfc_014.htm |archive-date=13 October 2010}}
|3={{cite web |last1=Gutteridge |first1=Susan |title=History |url=http://www.sunderlandwfc.co.uk/swfc_014.htm |website=sunderlandwfc.co.uk |access-date=14 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120506191231/http://www.sunderlandwfc.co.uk/swfc_014.htm |archive-date=6 May 2012}}
|4={{cite web |title=History |url=http://www.sunderlandwfc.co.uk/swfc_016.htm |website=sunderlandwfc.co.uk |access-date=14 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150517034100/http://www.sunderlandwfc.co.uk/swfc_016.htm |archive-date=17 May 2015}}
|5={{cite web |title=Club history |url=http://sunderland.fawsl.com/clubHistory.html |website=sunderland.fawsl.com |access-date=14 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140401003450/http://sunderland.fawsl.com/clubHistory.html |archive-date=1 April 2014}}
|6={{cite web |title=Sunderland AFC Ladies Club History |url=http://sunderland.fawsl.com/clubHistory.html |website=sunderland.fawsl.com |access-date=14 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160408180152/http://sunderland.fawsl.com/clubHistory.html |archive-date=8 April 2016}}
|7={{cite web |title=Sunderland AFC Ladies Club History |url=http://sunderland.fawsl.com/clubHistory.html |website=sunderland.fawsl.com |access-date=14 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180405120534/http://sunderland.fawsl.com/clubHistory.html |archive-date=5 April 2018}}
}} It played its first match in an informal friendly against Darlington Ladies on {{date|26 July 1989}}{{cite web |title=Lasses Legends: Sunderland Ladies pioneer Sue Smith - The sweetest left foot in the north east! |url=https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2022/4/29/23031128/lasses-legends-sunderland-ladies-pioneer-sue-smith-the-sweetest-left-foot-in-the-north-east |website=Roker Report |access-date=14 August 2023 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230814134401/https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2022/4/29/23031128/lasses-legends-sunderland-ladies-pioneer-sue-smith-the-sweetest-left-foot-in-the-north-east |archive-date=2023-08-14 |language=en |date=29 April 2022}} and won the WFA Yorkshire and Humberside League in 1990. Over the next decade, they competed in the Northern Premier as Cowgate Kestrels, RTM Newcastle Kestrels and Blyth Spartans Kestrels.{{cite news |last1=Hutchinson |first1=Lisa |title=Striker Melanie is just Shear class! |url=http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/striker-melanie-just-shear-class-1471066 |access-date=14 August 2023 |work=ChronicleLive |date=9 June 2008 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20141027201723/http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/striker-melanie-just-shear-class-1471066 |archive-date=2014-10-27 |language=en}}{{cite web |last1=Speight |first1=Rich |title=Way Back When: The founding of Sunderland Ladies in April 1989! |url=https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2022/4/17/23027961/way-back-when-the-founding-of-sunderland-ladies-in-april-1989 |website=Roker Report |access-date=14 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230329025256/https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2022/4/17/23027961/way-back-when-the-founding-of-sunderland-ladies-in-april-1989 |archive-date=29 March 2023 |language=en |date=17 April 2022}}
In 2000, the club merged with an independent Sunderland Ladies club and the Sunderland A.F.C. men's club to become Sunderland Women's FC after winning promotion to the top tier FA Women's Premier League National Division for the first time.{{cite news |last1=Dean |first1=Tom |title=How the Lionesses' history-makers were made in Sunderland |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/womens_football/england-vs-germany-mick-mulhern-sunderland-ladies-lucy-bronze-steph-houghton-jill-scott-jordan-nobbs-beth-mead-phil-neville-wembley-a9195306.html |access-date=14 August 2023 |work=The Independent |date=8 November 2019 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230814133324/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/womens_football/england-vs-germany-mick-mulhern-sunderland-ladies-lucy-bronze-steph-houghton-jill-scott-jordan-nobbs-beth-mead-phil-neville-wembley-a9195306.html |archive-date=2023-08-14 |language=en}}{{cite web |title=Poaching row over soccer women |url=https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/7135048.poaching-row-soccer-women/ |website=The Northern Echo |access-date=14 August 2023 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230814140332/https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/7135048.poaching-row-soccer-women/ |archive-date=2023-08-14 |language=en |date=14 July 2000}} The new club was originally financed as part of the established professional Sunderland A.F.C. men's club.
=2000–2010=
Following financial troubles in 2004, the women's side was forced to become financially independent. Sunderland A.F.C. only provided some kit and the home ground.
In 2001–02 Sunderland won one league game all season and were relegated back to the Northern Division.{{cite web |last1=Shannon |first1=David |title=England (Women) 2001/02 |url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablese/eng-wom02.html |website=www.rsssf.org |access-date=14 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406001418/https://www.rsssf.org/tablese/eng-wom02.html |archive-date=6 April 2023 |date=9 September 2002 |publisher=RSSSF}} On {{date|10 April 2005}}, they won promotion from the Northern Division as champions. In the 2005–06 season, they finished 9th in the league (then the penultimate position), but stayed up after tying a promotion/relegation playoff against Southern runners-up Bristol City W.F.C. 5–5 on aggregate.
With the emergence of Jill Scott and Steph Houghton, the club began to develop a reputation for producing England women's national football team players.{{cite news |title=Meet Sunderland Women FC |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/wear/content/articles/2007/01/04/sunderland_womens_fc_feature.shtml |access-date=14 August 2023 |publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation |work=www.bbc.co.uk |date=4 January 2007 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130419205816/http://www.bbc.co.uk/wear/content/articles/2007/01/04/sunderland_womens_fc_feature.shtml |archive-date=2013-04-19 |language=en-gb}} On 6 May 2007, with all their games finished and only having 11 points, Sunderland were relegated after Cardiff City beat Doncaster Belles 3–2.
In Season 2007–08 Sunderland finished in 3rd position in The Women's Premier League, Northern Division, behind Champions Nottingham Forest and Lincoln City. The top 3 were almost in a league of their own as Sunderland finished 17 points ahead of 4th placed Newcastle – who only finished 15 points ahead of bottom-of-the-table Crewe Alexandra.
With team re-building completed, the 2008–09 season began with high hopes for the Wearsiders who had six England youth internationals in their ranks and had recently recruited full England international midfielder Kelly McDougall from Everton Ladies.
On 22 March 2009, Sunderland WFC reached the final of the FA Women's Cup after beating Chelsea 3–0. Goals from Williams (2) and Gutteridge ensured their place in the final against holders Arsenal at Pride Park Stadium, home of Derby County on 4 May. In the final, favourites Arsenal beat Sunderland 2–1. Despite dominating possession and creating several chances, Arsenal found it difficult to convert their opportunities. Arsenal's Katie Chapman scored in the first half, their second coming in extended 2nd half injury-time from Kim Little. However, Sunderland never gave up and scored a consolation goal from Kelly McDougall just before the final whistle. Lucy Bronze gave a superb display at right-back, earning herself the Player of the Match Award for the Black Cats.
Sunderland won promotion to the National Premier Division after defeating Preston 4–0 away in the last match of the 2008–09 season.
Back in the top flight, Sunderland exceeded expectations and topped the league for five months. They also handed Arsenal Ladies only their second league defeat in six years.
=2010–2020=
The club's bid to join the newly established FA WSL was rejected on commercial and marketing grounds – leading to the departure of star players Lucy Bronze, Jordan Nobbs, Lucy Staniforth, and Helen Alderson.{{cite news |title=Bannon's Black Cats eye promotion |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/27052173 |access-date=13 August 2023 |work=BBC Sport |date=16 April 2014 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20141027201648/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/27052173 |archive-date=2014-10-27}}
Despite the exodus of these players, Sunderland secured the FA Women's National Premier League title with two games to spare, following their victory over Millwall Lionesses on 3 April 2011. They defended the title two further times in 2012 and 2013. In 2013 they were formally integrated into the Sunderland AFC structure.
File:Sunderland AFC Ladies promotion celebration.jpg
In the 2014 season Sunderland entered the newly created FA WSL 2. On {{date|26 October 2014}}, they were crowned inaugural champions of the FA WSL 2, beating Millwall Lionesses 4–0 on the final day of the season to finish two points ahead of Doncaster Belles.{{cite news |last1=Leighton |first1=Tony |title=WSL2 glory for champions Sunderland |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/29780266 |access-date=14 August 2023 |work=BBC Sport |date=26 October 2014 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230814193736/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/29780266 |archive-date=14 August 2023}} As a result, Sunderland returned to the top division, taking their place in the 2015 FA WSL 1. Manager Mick Mulhern, who won more silverware for the Sunderland Ladies than all other combined northern football teams (Men and Women), stepped down after 15 years for work-related commitments. He was replaced by former professional Carlton Fairweather.{{cite news |title=Sunderland name Fairweather new boss |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/30627600 |access-date=14 August 2023 |work=BBC Sport |date=29 December 2014 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230814201055/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/30627600 |archive-date=2023-08-14}}
On {{date|5 January 2017}}, before the 2017 FA WSL Spring Series, the club announced they switch to part-time players only after three years of having a mix of part-time and full-time players.{{cite news |title=Sunderland Ladies change to part-time |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/38525966 |access-date=14 August 2023 |work=BBC Sport |date=5 January 2017 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230814201735/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/38525966 |archive-date=2023-08-14}}{{cite news |title=Sunderland Ladies to return to part-time status, club announce |url=https://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/sunderland-ladies-to-return-to-part-time-status-club-announce-361376 |access-date=14 August 2023 |work=Sunderland Echo |date=5 Jan 2017 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230814201700/https://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/sunderland-ladies-to-return-to-part-time-status-club-announce-361376 |archive-date=2023-08-14}}{{cite news |last1=Treadwell |first1=Matthew |title=Sunderland Ladies go part-time for new Super League season |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/10719544/sunderland-ladies-go-part-time-for-new-super-league-season |access-date=14 August 2023 |work=Sky Sports |date=6 January 2017 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230814201810/https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/10719544/sunderland-ladies-go-part-time-for-new-super-league-season |archive-date=2023-08-14 |language=en}} On {{date|16 March 2017}}, Carlton Fairweather was replaced as head coach by his assistant Melanie Reay.{{cite web |title=Reay appointed head coach |url=https://safc.com/news/women-news/2017/march/reay-appointed-as-head-coach |website=Sunderland Association Football Club |access-date=13 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230813221724/https://safc.com/news/women-news/2017/march/reay-appointed-as-head-coach |archive-date=13 August 2023 |language=en |date=16 March 2017}}{{cite news |title=Sunderland Ladies appoint new head coach |url=https://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/sunderland-ladies-appoint-new-head-coach-358418 |access-date=13 August 2023 |work=Sunderland Echo |date=24 March 2017 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230813221658/https://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/sunderland-ladies-appoint-new-head-coach-358418 |archive-date=2023-08-13}}{{cite news |title=Reay in for Fairweather at Sunderland |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39126617 |access-date=13 August 2023 |work=BBC Sport |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230813221627/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/39126617 |archive-date=2023-08-13}} During the Spring Series, she guided the Lady Black Cats to a creditable 5th place finish with her new assistant and former player, Victoria Greenwell. Results in the Spring Series included victories against Yeovil Town and Bristol City WFC and draws against Arsenal W.F.C. and Reading F.C. Women.
After the Spring Series, Sunderland A.F.C. Ladies moved from their home venue at the Eppleton Colliery Welfare Ground to Mariners Park home of South Shields FC. Prior to the start of the 2018–19 season, the team was demoted two divisions from the WSL1 to the FA Women’s National League – Northern Premier Division after a bid to join the FA Women’s Championship was rejected.{{cite news |title=Sunderland Ladies' demotion: How it happened, what it means and what next |url=https://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/football/sunderland-ladies-demotion-how-it-happened-what-it-means-and-what-next-273487 |access-date=13 August 2023 |work=Sunderland Echo |date=24 Jul 2018 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230813133516/https://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/football/sunderland-ladies-demotion-how-it-happened-what-it-means-and-what-next-273487 |archive-date=2023-08-13}}{{cite news |title=Sunderland Ladies demoted two divisions after losing FA appeal |url=https://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/sunderland-ladies-demoted-two-divisions-after-losing-fa-appeal-349847 |access-date=13 August 2023 |work=Sunderland Echo |date=23 Jul 2018 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230813133515/https://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/sunderland-ladies-demoted-two-divisions-after-losing-fa-appeal-349847 |archive-date=2023-08-13}}{{cite news |last1=Taylor |first1=Louise |title=West Ham the big winners, Sunderland key losers in women's football revamp |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/may/28/west-ham-winners-sunderland-losers-womens-football-super-league |access-date=13 August 2023 |work=The Guardian |date=28 May 2018 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230813133516/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/may/28/west-ham-winners-sunderland-losers-womens-football-super-league |archive-date=2023-08-13}} After a season at Mariners Park, the Lady Black Cats decided to return to their Hetton-le-Hole home, for their debut season in the FA Women's National League North.
=2020–present=
File:Eve Blakey is tallest Sunderland Women 0 23 01 22-22 (51839497484).jpg in January 2022.]]
On {{date|8 May 2021}}, the team applied to join the FA Women's Championship from the Northern Premier Division.{{cite web |last1=Chamberlain |first1=Oscar |title=Application to join FA Womens Championship |url=https://safc.com/news/women-news/2021/may/safc-ladies-apply-to-join-fa-womens-championship |website=Sunderland Association Football Club |access-date=13 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230813121321/https://safc.com/news/women-news/2021/may/safc-ladies-apply-to-join-fa-womens-championship |archive-date=13 August 2023 |language=en |date=8 May 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Whyatt |first1=Katie |title=Women's football: Sunderland Ladies apply to join FA Women's Championship |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/4214410/2021/05/08/sunderland-ladies-apply-to-join-fa-womens-championship/ |access-date=13 August 2023 |work=The Athletic |date=8 May 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230813130052/https://theathletic.com/4214410/2021/05/08/sunderland-ladies-apply-to-join-fa-womens-championship/ |archive-date=13 August 2023 |url-status=live |language=en}}{{cite news |last1=Jamieson |first1=Stuart |title=Sunderland Ladies apply to join FA Women's Championship |url=https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/sunderland-ladies-part-clubs-long-20555451 |access-date=13 August 2023 |work=ChronicleLive |date=8 May 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230813130328/https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/sunderland-ladies-part-clubs-long-20555451 |archive-date=2023-08-13 |language=en}} On {{date|2 June 2021}}, the club announced the FA had accepted this application, resulting in their move into the Women's Championship in the following 2021–22 season.{{cite web |last1=Chamberlain |first1=Oscar |title=Ladies secure FA Women's Championship status |url=https://safc.com/news/women-news/2021/june/ladies-secure-championship-status |website=Sunderland Association Football Club |access-date=13 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230813121241/https://safc.com/news/women-news/2021/june/ladies-secure-championship-status |archive-date=13 August 2023 |language=en |date=2 June 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Wilson |first1=Scott |title=Sunderland Ladies' application to join FA Women's Championship is approved |url=https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/19345962.sunderland-ladies-application-join-fa-womens-championship-approved/ |access-date=13 August 2023 |work=The Northern Echo |date=2 June 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230813131022/https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/19345962.sunderland-ladies-application-join-fa-womens-championship-approved/ |archive-date=2023-08-13 |language=en}}{{cite news |last1=Hewitt |first1=Matty |title=Sunderland AFC Ladies set to play Championship football next season |url=https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/sunderland-afc-ladies-set-play-20731507 |access-date=13 August 2023 |work=ChronicleLive |date=3 June 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230813131020/https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/sunderland-afc-ladies-set-play-20731507 |archive-date=2023-08-13 |language=en}} Prior to the start of the 2022–23 season, the team officially changed its name from Sunderland Association Football Club Ladies to Sunderland Association Football Club Women in order to maintain "a contemporary, inclusive outlook as the club further develops into its new era in the women's game".{{cite news |last1=Smith |first1=Phil |title=Sunderland Ladies announce rebrand ahead of the next Women's Championship campaign |url=https://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/football/sunderland-afc/sunderland-ladies-announce-rebrand-ahead-of-the-next-womens-championship-campaign-3679005 |access-date=13 August 2023 |work=Sunderland Echo |date=3 May 2022 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230813101333/https://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/football/sunderland-afc/sunderland-ladies-announce-rebrand-ahead-of-the-next-womens-championship-campaign-3679005 |archive-date=2023-08-13}}{{cite web |title=Lasses to rebrand to SAFC Women |url=https://safc.com/news/women-news/2022/may/lasses-to-rebrand-to-safc-women |website=Sunderland Association Football Club |access-date=13 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230813101529/https://safc.com/news/women-news/2022/may/lasses-to-rebrand-to-safc-women |archive-date=13 August 2023 |language=en |date=3 May 2022}}
Before the start of the 2023–24 season, the team moved back to a hybrid model, signing several new players on full-time professional contracts.{{cite web |title=Club announce hybrid playing model |url=https://safc.com/news/women-news/2023/april/hybrid-announcement |website=Sunderland Association Football Club |access-date=13 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230507095331/https://safc.com/news/women-news/2023/april/hybrid-announcement |archive-date=7 May 2023 |language=en |date=25 April 2023}}{{cite news |last1=Smith |first1=Phil |title=Sunderland Women confirm the major step they will take towards professionalism this summer |url=https://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/football/sunderland-afc/sunderland-women-confirm-the-major-step-they-will-take-towards-professionalism-this-summer-4118382 |access-date=12 August 2023 |work=Sunderland Echo |date=25 April 2023 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230812192625/https://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/football/sunderland-afc/sunderland-women-confirm-the-major-step-they-will-take-towards-professionalism-this-summer-4118382 |archive-date=12 August 2023}}{{cite web |last1=Todd |first1=Ethan |title=Sunderland's fighting spirit driving women's team's Premier League bid |url=https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/sunderlands-fighting-spirit-driving-womens-28480912 |website=Chronicle Live |access-date=14 October 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241014094948/https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/sunderlands-fighting-spirit-driving-womens-28480912 |archive-date=14 October 2024 |language=en |date=20 January 2024 |url-status=live}} These signings included Mary McAteer,{{cite web |title=Mary McAteer: New Wales call-up joins Sunderland after Coventry exit |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/66108570 |website=BBC Sport |access-date=14 October 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241014092839/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/66108570 |archive-date=14 October 2024 |language=en |date=5 July 2023 |url-status=live}} Katie Kitching,{{cite web |title=Arrival: Katie Kitching joins SAFC Women |url=https://www.safc.com/news/women-news/2023/july/katie-kitching-signs |website=Sunderland Association Football Club |access-date=14 October 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241014094359/https://www.safc.com/news/women-news/2023/july/katie-kitching-signs |archive-date=14 October 2024 |language=en |date=6 July 2023 |url-status=live}} Natasha Fenton,{{cite web |title=Arrival: Natasha Fenton joins SAFC Women |url=https://www.safc.com/news/women-news/2023/july/natasha-fenton-signs |website=Sunderland Association Football Club |access-date=14 October 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241014093830/https://www.safc.com/news/women-news/2023/july/natasha-fenton-signs |archive-date=14 October 2024 |language=en |date=18 July 2023 |url-status=live}} Jenna Dear,{{cite web |title=Arrival: Jenna Dear joins the Lasses |url=https://www.safc.com/news/women-news/2023/july/jenna-dear-signs |website=Sunderland Association Football Club |access-date=14 October 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241014094114/https://www.safc.com/news/women-news/2023/july/jenna-dear-signs |archive-date=14 October 2024 |language=en |date=24 July 2023 |url-status=live}} Amy Goddard,{{cite web |title=Arrival: Amy Goddard joins the Lasses |url=https://www.safc.com/news/women-news/2023/july/amy-goddard-signs |website=Sunderland Association Football Club |access-date=14 October 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/0unAt |archive-date=14 October 2024 |language=en |date=26 July 2023 |url-status=live}} and Ellen Jones.{{cite web |title=Arrival: Ellen Jones joins the Lasses |url=https://www.safc.com/news/women-news/2023/july/ellen-jones-signs |website=Sunderland Association Football Club |access-date=14 October 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241014095338/https://www.safc.com/news/women-news/2023/july/ellen-jones-signs |archive-date=14 October 2024 |language=en |date=1 August 2023 |url-status=live}} Despite the simultaneous departure of key players including Neve Herron and Emma Kelly,{{cite web |last1=Copley |first1=James |title=Opinion: What key Sunderland player's exit could mean following promising incoming transfers |url=https://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/football/sunderland-afc/opinion-what-key-sunderland-players-exit-could-mean-following-promising-incomings-4234005 |website=Sunderland Echo |access-date=14 October 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241014101025/https://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/football/sunderland-afc/opinion-what-key-sunderland-players-exit-could-mean-following-promising-incomings-4234005 |archive-date=14 October 2024 |language=en |date=27 July 2023 |url-status=live}} the team were unbeaten in their first nine league games of the 2023–24 season.{{cite web |title=Women's Championship Results |url=https://www.skysports.com/womens-championship-results/2023-24 |website=SkySports |access-date=14 October 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241014190347/https://www.skysports.com/womens-championship-results/2023-24 |archive-date=14 October 2024 |language=en |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last1=Patterson |first1=Charlotte |title=Lasses Preview: Can top of the league Sunderland Women keep it up against struggling Blackburn? |url=https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2023/11/12/23328469/lasses-preview-can-top-of-the-league-sunderland-women-keep-it-up-against-struggling-blackburn |website=Roker Report |access-date=14 October 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241014110724/https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2023/11/12/23328469/lasses-preview-can-top-of-the-league-sunderland-women-keep-it-up-against-struggling-blackburn |archive-date=14 October 2024 |language=en |date=12 November 2023 |url-status=live}} They were top of the table for a considerable portion of the season and were in title contention throughout.{{cite web |last1=Sanders |first1=Emma |title=Durham v Sunderland: Women's Championship derby showcasing best of North East |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/67275516 |website=BBC Sport |access-date=14 October 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241014112801/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/67275516 |archive-date=14 October 2024 |language=en |date=4 November 2023 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last1=Burns |first1=Ollie |title=Lasses Report: Sunderland back in the driving seat and top of the league after 4-3 win |url=https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2024/2/19/24076655/lasses-match-report-sunderland-lewes-23-24 |website=Roker Report |access-date=14 October 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241014122023/https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2024/2/19/24076655/lasses-match-report-sunderland-lewes-23-24 |archive-date=14 October 2024 |language=en |date=19 February 2024 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last1=Humphreys |first1=Jessy Parker |title=The Women’s Championship teams showing a Premier League connection is not essential |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5405575/2024/04/11/womens-championship-title-race/ |website=The Athletic |access-date=14 October 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241015002239/https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5405575/2024/04/11/womens-championship-title-race/ |archive-date=15 October 2024 |language=en |date=11 April 2024 |url-status=live}} The team ended the season in third place, a vast improvement from the second-bottom finish in the previous season and their best performance since their two-tier demotion from the WSL in 2018.{{cite web |last1=Taylor |first1=Louise |title=Newcastle and Sunderland target WSL prize before Wear-Tyne derby |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2024/oct/10/newcastle-and-sunderland-target-wsl-prize-before-wear-tyne-derby |website=The Guardian |access-date=14 October 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241014123115/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2024/oct/10/newcastle-and-sunderland-target-wsl-prize-before-wear-tyne-derby |archive-date=14 October 2024 |language=en |date=10 October 2024 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last1=Sanders |first1=Emma |title=Newcastle's Moan on 'traitor' claims from rivals |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c3vxl1wlyn1o |website=BBC Sport |access-date=14 October 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241014124327/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/c3vxl1wlyn1o |archive-date=2024-10-14 |language=en |date=6 September 2024 |quote=Moan graduated from Sunderland's academy and signed her first professional contract last summer, before helping them to a third-place finish in the league. |url-status=live}}
On {{date|13 October 2024}}, the team set a new attendance record of 15,387 for the Women's Championship as they were defeated in the Wear–Tyne derby at the Stadium of Light.{{cite web |last1=Taylor |first1=Louise |title=Newcastle and Sunderland striving to give WSL north-eastern outpost |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2024/oct/13/newcastle-and-sunderland-striving-to-give-wsl-north-eastern-outpost |website=The Guardian |access-date=13 October 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241013190348/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2024/oct/13/newcastle-and-sunderland-striving-to-give-wsl-north-eastern-outpost |archive-date=13 October 2024 |language=en |date=13 October 2024 |url-status=live}} The previous record had been an attendance of 11,137, set in 2022.{{cite web |title=Women's Championship: Sunderland vs Newcastle to break attendance record |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c07n21y4pkjo |website=BBC Sport |access-date=13 October 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241013185541/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/c07n21y4pkjo |archive-date=13 October 2024 |language=en |date=11 October 2024 |url-status=live}}
Past seasons
{{As of|2023|August}}, the team has the following record in its past seasons:
Key
{{col-begin}}
{{col-4}}
Key to league record:
- P = Played
- W = Games won
- D = Games drawn
- L = Games lost
- F = Goals for
- A = Goals against
- Pts = Points
- Pos = Final position
{{col-4}}
Key to divisions:
- WSL1 = FA Women's Super League 1
- WSL2 = FA Women's Super League 2
- WPLN = FA Women's Premier League National Division
- WPLR = FA Women's Premier League Northern Division
- WC = The Women's Championship
{{col-4}}
Key to rounds:
- QR = Qualifying round
- Grp = Group stage
- R1 = Round 1
- R2 = Round 2
- R3 = Round 3
- R4 = Round 4
- R5 = Round 5
{{col-4}}
Key to rounds:
- QF = Quarter-finals
- SF = Semi-finals
- RU = Runners-up
- W = Winners
- n/a = Not applicable
- DNE = Did not enter
- Disq = Disqualified
{{col-end}}
| class="wikitable" align="left"
|bgcolor=gold|Champions |bgcolor=silver|Runners-up |bgcolor=PaleGreen|Promoted |bgcolor=Pink|Relegated |
{{br}}
Divisions in bold indicate a change in division tier.
|14
|9
|3
|2
|30
|16
|30
|1st
|n/a
|QF{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}}
|QF{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}}
|align=left|Demilee Stokes{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}}
|7
|-
!2011–12
|WPLN (2){{Citation needed|date=October 2024}}
|18
|13
|3
|2
|49
|18
|42
|1st
|n/a
|QF{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}}
|bgcolor=gold|W{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}}
|align=left|Beth Mead{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}}
|18
|-
!2012–13
|WPLN (2){{Citation needed|date=October 2024}}
|18
|14
|3
|1
|54
|16
|45
|1st
|n/a
|QF{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}}
|SF{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}}
|align=left|Beth Mead{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}}
|17
|-
!2014
|WSL2{{ref label|WSLExpansion|B|}} (2){{Citation needed|date=October 2024}}
|18
|15
|2
|1
|47
|15
|47
|bgcolor=PaleGreen|1st
|Grp{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}}
|R5{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}}
|n/a
|align=left|Beth Mead{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}}
|13
|-
!2015
|WSL1 (1){{Citation needed|date=October 2024}}
|14
|6
|2
|6
|24
|24
|20
|4th
|Grp{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}}
|R3{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}}
|n/a
|align=left|Beth Mead{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}}
|12
|-
!2016
|WSL1 (1){{Citation needed|date=October 2024}}
|16
|2
|4
|10
|17
|41
|10
|7th
|R1{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}}
|SF{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}}
|n/a
|align=left|Beth Mead{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}}
|5
|-
!2017 Spring Series
|WSL1 (1){{Citation needed|date=October 2024}}
|8
|2
|3
|3
|4
|14
|9
|5th
|n/a
|QF{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}}
|n/a
|align=left|Beverly Leon{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}}
|2
|-
!2017–18
|WSL1 (1){{Citation needed|date=October 2024}}
|18
|5
|1
|12
|15
|20
|16
|bgcolor=Pink|7th*
|QF{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}}
|QF{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}}
|n/a
|align=left|Lucy Staniforth, Keira Ramshaw, Bridget Galloway{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}}
|3
|-
!2018–19
|WNL North (3){{Citation needed|date=October 2024}}
|24
|15
|3
|6
|83
|36
|48
|2nd
|n/a
|R2{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}}
|R3{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}}
|align=left|Keira Ramshaw{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}}
|24
|-
!2019–20
|WNL North (3){{Citation needed|date=October 2024}}
|0
|0
|0
|0
|0
|0
|0
|n/a
|n/a
|R5{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}}
|Final**{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}}
|align=left|Bridget Galloway{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}}
|21
|-
!2020–21
|WNL North (3){{Citation needed|date=October 2024}}
|9
|5
|0
|4
|17
|17
|15
|5th*
|n/a
|R3{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}}
|n/a
|align=left|Keira Ramshaw{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}}
|5
|-
!2021–22
|WC (2){{cite web |title=Women's Championship (Sky Sports) |url=https://www.skysports.com/womens-championship-table/2021 |website=SkySports |access-date=24 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221224131801/https://www.skysports.com/womens-championship-table/2021 |archive-date=24 December 2022 |language=en}}
|22
|6
|6
|10
|23
|32
|24
|9th
|Grp{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}}
|R4{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}}
|n/a
|align=left|Keira Ramshaw, Neve Herron, Emily Scarr{{cite web |title=Sunderland AFC Ladies Stats, Form & xG {{!}} FootyStats |url=https://footystats.org/clubs/sunderland-afc-ladies-10575 |website=footystats.org |access-date=12 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230812172550/https://footystats.org/clubs/sunderland-afc-ladies-10575 |archive-date=12 August 2023 |language=en}}
|4
|-
!2022–23
|WC (2){{cite web |title=Women's Championship (Sky Sports) |url=https://www.skysports.com/womens-championship-table/2022 |website=SkySports |access-date=12 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230812172037/https://www.skysports.com/womens-championship-table/2022 |archive-date=12 August 2023 |language=en}}
|22
|5
|3
|14
|26
|38
|18
|11th
|Grp{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}}
|R4{{cite web |last1=Fryatt |first1=Chris |title=Sunderland Women’s FA Cup campaign ends with a 2-1 home defeat to Manchester United |url=https://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/football/sunderland-afc/sunderland-womens-fa-cup-campaign-ends-with-a-2-1-home-defeat-to-manchester-united-4005973 |website=Sunderland Echo |access-date=13 October 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241013213646/https://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/football/sunderland-afc/sunderland-womens-fa-cup-campaign-ends-with-a-2-1-home-defeat-to-manchester-united-4005973 |archive-date=13 October 2024 |language=en |date=30 Jan 2023 |url-status=live}}
|n/a
|align=left|Emily Scarr{{cite web |title=England - Sunderland WFC - Results, fixtures, squad, statistics, photos, videos and news - Soccerway |url=https://uk.soccerway.com/teams/england/sunderland-wfc/5274/squad/ |website=uk.soccerway.com |access-date=12 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230812180556/https://uk.soccerway.com/teams/england/sunderland-wfc/5274/squad/ |archive-date=12 August 2023}}
|8
|-
!2023–24
|WC (2){{Citation needed|date=October 2024}}
|22
|12
|5
|5
|31
|18
|41
|3rd
|QF{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}}
|R4{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}}
|n/a
|align=left|Emily Scarr{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}}
|7
|}
- Demoted to FA Women's National League (Tier 3) after not being awarded Tier 1 or 2 licence
- Final cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic
- Promoted to FA Women's Championship (Tier 2) after successfully applying via The Football Association's Upward Club Movement process within the Women’s Football Pyramid
Current squad
{{Fs start}}
{{fs player|no=1|nat=ENG|pos=GK|name=Demi Lambourne}}
{{fs player|no=2|nat=IRL|pos=DF|name=Jessie Stapleton|other=on loan from West Ham United}}
{{Fs player|no=4|nat=ENG|pos=DF|name=Amy Goddard}}
{{Fs player|no=5|nat=ENG|pos=DF|name=Grace McCatty}}
{{fs player|no=6|nat=ENG|pos=DF|name=Louise Griffiths|other=}}
{{fs player|no=7|nat=WAL|pos=FW|name=Mary McAteer}}
{{fs player|no=8|nat=ENG|pos=FW|name=Emily Scarr|other=}}
{{fs player|no=9|nat=ENG|pos=FW|name=Eleanor Dale}}
{{fs player|no=10|nat=NZL|pos=MF|name=Katie Kitching}}
{{fs player|no=11|nat=ENG|pos=DF|name=Jessica Brown|other=}}
{{Fs player|no=12|nat=ENG|pos=MF|name=Emily Cassap|other=}}
{{Fs player|no=14|nat=ENG|pos=MF|name=Natasha Fenton|other=}}
{{fs mid}}
{{Fs player|no=16|nat=ENG|pos=DF|name=Grace Ede|other=}}
{{Fs player|no=17|nat=ENG|pos=MF|name=Mary Corbyn|other=}}
{{Fs player|no=18|nat=ENG|pos=MF|name=Libbi McInnes|other=}}
{{Fs player|no=19|nat=ENG|pos=DF|name=Megan Beer|other=}}
{{Fs player|no=20|nat=WAL|pos=FW|name=Ellen Jones|other=}}
{{Fs player|no=21|nat=IRL|pos=MF|name=Marissa Sheva}}
{{fs player|no=22|nat=ENG|pos=GK|name=Megan Borthwick}}
{{fs player|no=23|nat=ENG|pos=MF|name=Jenna Dear}}
{{fs player|no=24|nat=ENG|pos=MF|name=Keira Flannery|other=on loan from West Ham United}}
{{fs player|no=25|nat=ENG|pos=FW|name=Katy Watson}}
{{fs player|no=27|nat=SCO|pos=DF|name=Brianna Westrup}}
{{fs end}}
=Former players=
For details of current and former players, see :Category:Sunderland A.F.C. Women players.
Club officials
{{updated|12 August 2023}}{{cite web |title=SAFC Women |url=https://www.safc.com/players/safc-women |website=Sunderland Association Football Club |access-date=12 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230812132041/https://safc.com/players/safc-women |archive-date=12 August 2023 |language=en}}{{cite web |title=Women News: Staffing Update |url=https://safc.com/news/women-news/2022/december/women-staffing-update |website=Sunderland Association Football Club |access-date=12 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230126065205/https://safc.com/news/women-news/2022/december/women-staffing-update |archive-date=26 January 2023 |language=en |date=15 December 2022}}
Management and backroom staff
- Head coach: Melanie Reay
- Assistant coach: Steph Libbey
- General manager: Alex Clark
- Goalkeeper coach: Jonathan Craig{{cite web |last1=Godfrey |first1=Dan |title=Craig arrives as Women's Goalkeeping Coach |url=https://safc.com/news/women-news/2022/october/craig-arrives-as-womens-goalkeeping-coach |website=Sunderland Association Football Club |access-date=12 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221224235832/https://safc.com/news/women-news/2022/october/craig-arrives-as-womens-goalkeeping-coach |archive-date=24 December 2022 |language=en |date=5 October 2022}}
- Physical performance coach: Jack Kehoe
- Physiotherapist: Hayley Arnold
- Women's engagement officer: Kieran Regan
- Women's analyst: Gino Elraee
- Matchday photography: Kasey Taylor
- Matchday medical services: Dr. Jack Nash
Honours
File:Millwall Lionesses Vs Sunderland Ladies (16048269604).jpg
League
- FA Women's Premier League National Division
- Champions: 2010–11, 2011–12, 2012–13
- FA WSL 2
- Champions: 2014
- FA Women's Premier League Northern Division
- Champions: 1999–2000 (as Blyth Spartans Kestrels), 2004–05, 2008–09
Cup
- FA Women's Cup
- Runners-up: 2009
- FA Women's Premier League Cup
- Winners: 2012
Footnotes
:A. {{note|WSLFormation}} The FA Women's Super League was formed in 2010 for the start of the 2011 season, Sunderland Ladies were not chosen to participate in the newly formed top tier of women's football. Although Sunderland Ladies were not relegated from the top tier of Women's football in England in 2010, they found themselves playing in the second tier at the start of their 2011 campaign.
:B. {{note|WSLExpansion}} The FA Women's Super League was expanded to two divisions in 2014 for the start of that years season with the formation of the FA Women's Super League 2. Sunderland Ladies were one of 10 teams elected to participate in the newly formed second tier of women's football for the start of the 2014 season.
See also
References
{{Reflist|30em}}
External links
{{commons category}}
- [https://www.safc.com/teams/women Official website]
- [https://www.safc.com/news#Women News on official website]
- [https://twitter.com/SAFCWomen Twitter page]
- [https://www.threads.net/@safcwomen Threads page]
- [https://www.instagram.com/safcwomen/ Instagram page]
- [https://www.facebook.com/safcwomen/ Facebook page]
- [https://www.tiktok.com/@safcwomen TikTok page]
- [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaX23w3HtSHe_cOf3UIalKg YouTube channel]
- [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuRgWp9ON5vpbH0hRVdL_r8PuU-spDBWX YouTube playlist]
- [https://www.yumpu.com/user/Sunderland.AFC.Women Matchday Programmes]
- [https://twitter.com/HawayPod Haway The Lasses Podcast]
- [https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/safc-ladies SAFC Women news on Roker Report]
- [https://uk.soccerway.com/teams/england/sunderland-wfc/5274/ Sunderland A.F.C. Women] at Soccerway
{{Sunderland A.F.C.}}
{{FA Women's Super League}}
{{Women's football in England}}
{{City of sunderland}}
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Category:1989 establishments in England
Category:Association football clubs established in 1989
Category:Women's football clubs in England
Category:Football clubs in Tyne and Wear
Category:Women's Super League teams