Washington United confirm Nissan Sports Complex as their new home

Wearside League new-boys Washington United have confirmed that Nissan Sports Complex will be their home groundforthe2020/21season.

The club have been wellknown across the junior football scene since they were founded by former chairman Chris Alexander in 2001.

But the move for form a side to compete in the Wearside League sees United move into senior men’s football for the first time. They received an unexpected boost last week when their application to be promotion into the Wearside League’s top tier was accepted after they had initially been accepted into Division Two.

TheagreementwithNissan meansthattheformerhomeof SunderlandWestEndandSunderland Nissan will now host the likes of Boldon CA, Horden CW and Darlington RA during

United’s first season in senior football.

Manager Cameron Thompson said: “This has been in the pipeline for months and we’ve been so excited to get it over the line. The club’s aim was to bring Saturday football back to the area of Washington and we’ve now achieved that.

"As a club we’ve looked to unite Washington. This is a massive piece in the jigsaw and we can’t wait to get going.”

Thompson has been hard at work putting together a squad for the new season with the likes of former Shildon goalkeeper Bryan Wood and Durham City midfielder Mounir Bouisri joining the club ahead of the new campaign.

Meanwhile, Gateshead’s preparations for the National League North play-offs were ramped up on Saturday when the league confirmed their fixtures schedule.

Mike Williamson’s side will return to training at Hebburn Town’s Green Energy Sports Ground this week as they look to prepare for their eliminator round tie at former FA Trophy winners Brackley Town.

That fixture will take place on Sunday, July 19, with a 3pm kick-off and the Heed will face another road trip if they are successful in claiming a win at St James Park. Boston United would be their destination in the play-off semi-final on Saturday, July 25, and the league also announced that the playoff final is scheduled for Saturday, August 1.

All play-off fixtures will take place behind closed doors as the league continues to abide by the government’s advice on the return of elite sport.