Howay the Lasses ... champs given civic honour
LEAGUE WINNERS HAILED AS TOP ROLE MODELS
NEWCASTLE United Women’s football team have been honoured at a Civic reception in Newcastle following their promotion.
The team, which has just been promoted to the Barclay’s Women’s Championship, was praised at a Civic reception by the Lord Mayor of Newcastle, who commended the lasses for being “wonderful ambassadors for girls and young women who want to play football”.
The black-and-white stars were formally approved into the Championship by the Football Association after receiving their licence for the second tier.
Success was confirmed after Becky Langley’s side beat Huddersfield Town 10-0 on April 14 to secure the FA Women’s National League Northern Premier Division title.
On Sunday they beat West Bromwich Albion 4-0 and finished the season as champions on 59 points from a possible 66 – 11 points ahead of second-placed Burnley.
A delegation of 40 from the football club attended the reception including club officials, manager Becky Langley and the players.
Lord Mayor Coun Veronica Dunn said: “Newcastle Women’s football team are winners and that is felt right across our city. It just makes people feel good knowing our teams are winning things.
“They have had a marvellous season on and off the pitch and we are very proud of the way they have represented our city. They are wonderful ambassadors for girls and young women who want to play football.
“They have won promotion two years running now so who would bet against them making it a hat-trick and winning promotion to the Women’s Super League.
“This is about so much more than football. It is about showing girls and young women they can play the same sports as men, enjoy it and be accepted in society. I wish them all the best for next season.”
The team, who turned professional at the start of last season, were also runners-up to Hashtag United in the League Cup Final at Luton’s Kenilworth Road.
Darren Eales, chief executive at Newcastle United, said: “We are delighted to receive a formal licence for Newcastle United Women to compete in the Barclays Women’s Championship next season.
“Becoming a full-time professional club last summer was an important building block in our ambitions for Newcastle United Women, and this licence recognises our commitment to the highest standards.
“I’d like to congratulate Su Cumming, Becky Langley, our players, staff and supporters on a momentous campaign. We are all excited to see the team competing in the Championship next season.”
Newcastle City Council Leader Nick Kemp said: “The team have had a remarkable season and I commend them for their passion, grit, and determination.
“They have given immense pleasure to thousands of their fans and shown young girls that with talent and hard work they too can follow in their footsteps and become professional footballers.
“I wish them all the best next season knowing that they will be straining every sinew to keep up their winning ways.”