Sunderland Women will play four league games at the Stadium of Light including the Wear-Tyne derby against arch-rivals Newcastle.

The first game for SAFC Women at the stadium will be on October 13, when they tackle Newcastle United.

The second match at the stadium will be on February 2, against Birmingham City, who dealt a blow to Sunderland's title chances last season.

The third match will see another local derby brought to the stadium as the Black Cats take on Durham in the River Wear Derby on March 2.

They will end their home fixtures on May 4, against Sheffield United, a day after the men's team squares up against Queens Park Rangers in the Men's Championship.

Head coach Mel Reay said: "We are excited to be back playing at the Stadium of Light this season. It’s a great opportunity for our fans to come and support the women’s team."

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All league fixtures are scheduled for Sundays at 2pm and ticket information will be released in due course.

Sunderland finished third in the league last season and were part of a title-race that went down to the penultimate game of the season, with Crystal Palace clinching promotion to the WSL.

Newcastle United were promoted from the third division as champions of the Northern league and have made their intentions of competing for the Championship clear with the signing of Demi Stokes from Manchester City Women.

Durham Women were dragged into a relegation fight in the Championship last season, but stayed up before the last game of the season, ending their campaign with a win.

The season begins on September 8 with Sunderland away to Birmingham City, Newcastle away to London City Lionesses and Durham at home to Sheffield United.