Sunderland Women have been for the last 13 years, the highest ranking womens football team in the North East.
Sunderland Women were formed 14 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 six seasons in the Womens 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 Womens 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 A successful season with 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 5th 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 Womens 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 2011 2012
Sunderlands most successful season to date winning both the National Premier League Cup and also retaining their National Premier League title, proving that the previous season was no flash in the pan. In October 2011 Mick Mulhern was named Manager of the Year for the second time for the team events in the 2010 2011 season. Mick is now the longest serving manager in the league (13 years).
Sunderland Women currently have two Northern Ireland Senior Internationals, two players in the England Under 23 squad, two players in the England Under 19 squad (with one being on standby). 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 once again secured their place in Division 1 of the Premier League Northern/Midlands Section.