Lady Cats’ bid to play in second tier backed by the FA
SUNDERLAND Ladies will play in the FA Women’s Championship next season. The club’s application to move up to the second tier has been approved by the FA, meaning they will line up alongside Durham Ladies in the 2021/22 campaign.
Sunderland, who have given a number of England stars their first starts within the women’s game, submitted a bid earlier this week.
Lionesses and Team GB Olympic stars Steph Houghton, Lucy Bronze, Jill Scott and Demi Stokes all started at the Wearside club, which won the FA Women’s Premier League National Division in 2011, 2012 and 2013 before securing the inaugural FA WSL Two title in 2014.
Sunderland also lifted the FA Women’s Premier League Cup in 2012.
However, they were controversially demoted at the end of the 2017/18 campaign and forced to ply their trade in the FA Women’s National League North after not being awarded a licence to join the reformatted top two tiers in place of less storied clubs.
Sporting director Kristjaan Speakman said: “Our strategy is to develop a women’s programme which fully
This application states our intent to develop and support women’s football
Kristjaan Speakman
integrates with our wider football operation and model.
“It will therefore receive the appropriate support to ensure it follows the same philosophy and processes as the other teams operating at the Academy of Light.
“SAFC Ladies are an important part of the club’s long-term vision and this application clearly states our intent to develop and support women’s football within our community.”
Chief Operating Officer Steve Davison added: “I am delighted that we have the opportunity to apply to join the FA Women’s Championship.
“It is critically important that, as a collective club, we represent all of the people within our wonderfully diverse community.
“SAFC Ladies are an integral part of fulfilling that pledge and I know how important this is to our region, so I’m immensely grateful for the support we have received in preparing the submission.”
The Foundation of Light’s Chief Executive Officer, Lesley Spuhler, said: “The Foundation’s player pathway has always been inclusive and I’m delighted to support the bid for FA Women’s Championship football.
“Our Regional Talent Centre is recognised as one of the best in the country, based on a number of factors, including facilities, quality of coaching, education and coach and player development.
“We’re so proud to see players like Steph and Jill at the forefront of women’s football today and long may that continue.”