NEWCASTLE UNITED WOMEN will become the first full-time professional football club in FA Women’s National League history for the upcoming 2023-24 season – one year on from the club becoming an official part of Newcastle United Football Club.
The move follows the team’s promotion to the FA Women’s National League Northern Premier Division – the third tier of the national women’s pyramid, with the Magpies winning the Division One North title last season on a semi-professional basis.
It provides further confirmation of the club's desire to grow its women's side, with co-owner Amanda Staveley having highlighted the development of women's football as a key aim when she completed her Saudi Arabia-backed takeover of the club just over a year-and-a-half ago.
"This is an historic moment for our Newcastle United family and for the women’s game regionally, nationally and beyond," said Newcastle United chief executive officer Darren Eales.
"Newcastle United Women is a hugely important part of our vision for the club, and this is the right step at the right time as we strive for sustainable success.
"I’d like to thank our owners for their incredible support and congratulate Su (Cumming), Becky (Langley) and all the players and staff for their achievements so far. We look forward to the exciting journey ahead.”
Under the stewardship of head of women’s football, Cumming, and head coach Langley, Newcastle United Women are evolving at a pace, with a clear desire to compete with Sunderland Women and Durham Women, as well as the newly rebranded Middlesbrough Women, for the tag of regional top dogs.
Newcastle introduced a new development squad in 2022 to provide a talent pathway into the first team, and the first-team squad will now have an opportunity to dedicate themselves full-time as they pursue further success, with the clear aim of reaching the Women’s Super League.
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Having played a number of high-profile and well-attended matches at St James' Park, Staveley is understood to be keen to see Newcastle Women match the men's side by playing in the Champions League in the not-too-distant future.
The transition to a full-time operation should help with that aim. As well as receiving competitive salaries, Newcastle's female players will now be able to train throughout the week and will have access to professional equipment, treatment and injury-prevention facilities, while continuing to play home matches at Kingston Park.
"The success of Newcastle United Women is an integral part of our sporting objectives and we are delighted to support the team's progress by building a professional model around them," said Newcastle's sporting director Dan Ashworth.
"Becky and the players have shown incredible dedication, and turning full-time will enable them to fully concentrate on their careers and the next chapter of Newcastle United Women as fully supported professionals."
Langley will continue as head coach as Newcastle prepare to tackle the National League Northern Premier Division next season - one level below the Championship, in which Sunderland and Durham currently play - and believes the switch to being full-time wil be hugely beneficial as they look to continue their rise up the women's football pyramid.
Another huge milestone for north east women’s football 🤩
— Becky Langley (@BeckyLangley4) June 23, 2023
The staff and players (past and present) who have driven this charge deserve so much credit here 🙌
Absolutely outstanding. A very bright future ahead. Thank you to everyone who has supported this journey ❤️ https://t.co/3LfuBVVObW
"This is a monumental moment for Newcastle United Women and the FA Women’s National League," said Langley. "We hope to be a leading light in the movement towards professionalism in the women’s game and inspire women and girls who dream of pursuing a career in football.
"We have worked incredibly hard to get here and I’m so excited to work with the players as we help them to be the best athletes they can be."
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