Raising the game for women's football in the North East

Newcastle United Foundation and Northumbria University have announced a partnership that will boost women’s football in the city.

Northumbria has become a major partner of Newcastle United Women. The University is already a designated FA Women’s High Performance Centre and has recently appointed a new Head of Women’s Football, Rebecca Langley, to lead their women’s football programme, including the partnership with Newcastle United Women. Rebecca has a great deal of experience coaching talented players both in the men and women’s game, with her most recent roles being Head of Women’s Football and Futsal at the University of Nottingham as well as Coaching at Nottingham Forrest Academy.

The University has also committed to helping the Foundation develop the support network around the women’s team. This will include applying Northumbria University’s skills and expertise in physiotherapy, strength and conditioning and performance analysis.

Newcastle United Women relaunched as part of Newcastle United Foundation two seasons ago. Progress has been steady but this new partnership will provide a vital boost, especially at a time when the profile of the women’s game is at an all-time high.

Katy Storie, Head of Sport and Exercise at Northumbria University, said: “Northumbria’s tremendous track record for student sport at all levels combined with well-established degree programmes in sport, exercise and rehabilitation and research excellence in this field positions us as one of the top sport Universities in the UK. We are very much looking forward to collaborating with the Newcastle United Foundation to develop a high performing Newcastle United women’s football team.”

Steve Beharall, Acting Head of Newcastle United Foundation, said: “Newcastle United Foundation has a brilliant football pathway for women and girls and this partnership supports our vision to give players access to the best facilities and support possible. We’re very proud to be working with Northumbria University to establish a set up that can maximise the potential of those players that are living their dream by representing Newcastle United.”