Commons call to support SAFC Ladies
The plight of Sunderland Ladies will be taken to Parliament as Black Cat supporting MPs battle to back its future.
Easington MP Grahame Morris is to turn to the city’s MPs and other fans throughout the House of Commons as he lobbies the Football Association for a rethink on its decision to reject the side from the top two tiers of the revamped Woman’s Super League.
Baroness Sue Campbell, head of women’s football at the FA, said it followed an application process and was also down to the fact the team was not backed by their male counterparts.
Mr Morris has drawn up an Early Day Motion (EDM) to “express shock and anger at the decision of the Football Association to deny Sunderland Ladies their rightful place in the top tier of English football”.
It notes the squad has not been supported by the men’s team, but says the FA should acknowledge its new owners and its community and fan-focused approach by Steward Donald.
Mr Donald has already confirmed he will investigate the ladies’ set-up, while the club has until Monday, June 11, to appeal the decision.
The EDM adds: “Sunderland Ladies should not be penalised for the previous mismanagement of Sunderland Football Club and asks the FA to consult with the new owners.”
The motion highlights the side’s contribution to the national team, having turned out players including South Hetton’s Steph Houghton, who has captained the squad and plays for Manchester City’s ladies, and Lucy Bronze, BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year 2018 and Champions League winner.
Mr Morris said: “I think it is really important for the community and I think as role models and inspi- rations. I know they were moved from Hetton and of course there’s the issue of not training at the academy, but that was down to Ellis Short and his management.
“But it also has the Foundation of Light and it is a community club.”
In addition to Wearside MPs Julie Elliott, Sharon Hodgson and Bridget Phillipson, Mr Morris is also contacting Jarrow MP Stephen Hepburn and fellow Sunderland supporters Jonathan Reynolds, who represents Stalybridge, and Ian Lucas, who represents Wrexham, to gather their backing.
They and other members will be invited to sign the EDM, which is likely to be put to Parliament on Monday.