Sunderland Women have been for the last 9 years, the highest ranking women’s football team in the North East. 

Sunderland Women were formed 9 years ago when East Durham Houghall Kestrels and Sunderland Ladies combined to come under the umbrella of ‘Sunderland Women’. Prior to this their roots lay in Tyneside with Blyth Spartans Kestrels. Since the merger Sunderland Women FC have consistently performed to a very high standard. They have played four seasons in the Northern Division and four seasons in the Women’s Premier League.

In the seasons 2002/2003 and 2003/2004 Sunderland Women finished runners up in the Northern Division, only just missing promotion to the premiership on both occasions.

Season 2004 – 2005 saw Sunderland secure promotion to the Premier League winning the Northern Division by 6 clear points.  For the first time in their history they reached the quarter finals of the Women’s FA Cup, only losing to a strong Charlton team in the last few minutes of the game.

Season 2005 – 2006 ended with the club retaining their position in the top flight despite losing the financial backing of parent club SAFC.

Season 2006 – 2007 –  Sunderland were relegated to the Premier Northern Division. 

Season 2007 – 2008 – Due to relegation Sunderland Women lost some of their international players but after a disappointing start to the campaign Sunderland finished third in the Northern Division and were looking to build on their position.

Season 2008 - 2009 – One of the most successful seasons for the club gaining an increased and local and national profile. Sunderland Women FC achieved, runners up in the FA Women's cup final after losing 2-1 to National Premier League Champions Arsenal, also receiving the E.ON Team of the Round Award twice.  Secured promotion back to the National Premier League after winning the Northern Division and Manager Mick Mulhern received Tesco Manager of the Year at the FA Women's Football Awards. 

Season 2009-2010

After winning promotion back to the National Division Sunderland had an excellent season finishing

in a very credible 5^th position whilst the reserves maintained their status in  Premier League Northern/Midlands Division One of the Reserve Section

Season 2010-2011

After missing out in their bid for entry to the Super League, Sunderland Women had their most successful season ever.  They won the Women’s National Premiership Division by 7 points as well as reaching the quarter finals of both the League Cup and FA Cup, only losing to Arsenal in the FA Cup in extra time. The reserves also maintained their status in Division One of the Reserve Section.

Sunderland Women currently have one player in the England Under 23 squad,  one in the England Under 19 squad (with one being on standby) and 1 player in the England Under 17 squad. Alongside Everton, Leeds and Birmingham Sunderland have supplied more players into the England International set up than any other clubs in the whole league structure.

We also have a highly successful reserve team who have secured their place in Division 1 of the Premier League Northern/Midlands Section after winning the Division 2 title.

With the recent retirement of Vik Akers (Arsenal Ladies FC Manager) Sunderland Women FC’s Manager, Mick Mulhern is now currently the longest serving manager in the league (11 years)

Honours

Premier League National Division Champions 2010/2011

Premier League Northern Division Winners 1999/2000,  2004/2005, 2008/2009

Premier League Northern Division Runners Up 1998/1999, 2002/2003, 2003/2004

UMBRO Most Improved Team 1999/2000

Premier League Northern/Midlands Reserve Section Winners 2001/2002, 2008/2009

Premier League Northern/Midlands Reserve Section Runners Up 2003/2004

FA Women's Cup 2008/2009 - Runners up

E.ON Team of the Round Award (twice) 2008/2009

Tesco Manager of the Year Award 2009