Newcastle Women will play their first ever match at St James' Park on Sunday in another big step forward for the women's game. The Magpies take on Alnwick Town at the 52,000-seater stadium as they look to keep their slim promotion hopes alive.
The women's game has been on the rise for many years with the likes of Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal now boasting some of the world's best players, allowing them to compete with European giants such as Wolfsburg, Lyon and Barcelona.
Earlier this month the Nou Camp played host to a Barcelona Women's game drawing in a record crowd of 91,533 against Real Madrid. Just days later that record was topped again when more than 91,600 spectators turned up for the game against Wolfsburg.
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Newcastle manager Becky Langley knows that record won't be broken at St. James' Park this weekend but admits it would be a monumental achievement to break the WSL record, which currently stands at 38,262. However, beating the 3,000 spectators that watched the recent clash with Durham at Kingston Park would also be a huge positive.
"We'd love to get 90,000 but I can't see it being that many," she joked on Sky Sports. "We'd be absolutely delighted with double figures if possible. We're looking to push and see if we can break the WSL record but we'll see. We know what Geordies are like, they want to support their local team.
"They're proud to support any team in black and white that represents the club. With the owners' support, it's really exciting and I think the Newcastle United fans are really excited to cheer us on on Sunday."
Amanda Staveley and the new ownership have been huge cheerleaders for the women's side since their arrival in October. While Mike Ashley had no interest in that particular part of the club, Staveley vowed from day one to back the female team.
“The women’s team is very important,” she said. “It is an integral part of our plans to develop talent within the Club and to ensure that the women’s game and our team continue to gain increased recognition and following everywhere.
“[The vision] is very much like our ambition for the men’s team which is to see it grow and compete for the top trophies from the top division. This season we are hopeful that Newcastle United Women cap a successful season with promotion.”
Kick-off on Sunday is at 2pm and cash turnstiles will be in operation in the East Stand, with entry just £3 for adults and free for juniors.
