Record-Breaking Attendance for Newcastle United Women’s Team
In a historic display of support, Newcastle United’s women’s team achieved a remarkable milestone by attracting an unprecedented 38,502 fans to their recent Women’s Championship match against Sunderland on Sunday. This attendance not only shattered the previous league record of 15,387, set during the same teams’ earlier encounter at the Stadium of Light, but it also marked a new club record, surpassing the 28,565 attendees at their FA Cup match against Burnley in November 2022.
Pre-Match Events
Prior to the kickoff, the excitement was palpable as Newcastle’s CEO Darren Eales and club legend Bob Moncur, who famously captained the team to Fairs Cup success in 1969, paraded the Carabao Cup trophy around the stadium. The trophy celebration set the stage for what turned out to be an exhilarating derby match.
The Match
The match concluded with Newcastle securing a 1-0 victory, thanks to a crucial goal by Shania Hayles in the 78th minute. This win allowed Newcastle to leapfrog Sunderland, moving into sixth place in the league standings.
Players’ Reaction
In a post-match interview with BBC, Hayles expressed her amazement at the turnout: “I didn’t actually realise how many people were here and when I was warming up I saw it. It is just amazing how many fans we get down here.” She added, “I’ve never played in front of that many fans, let alone scored. At Kingston Park they show up whether it is raining or sunny, so to do it today for them, it means everything to me.”
Conclusion
This record attendance is a testament to the growing interest in women’s football and highlights Newcastle United’s commitment to promoting their women’s team. The achievement not only reflects the passionate support from fans but also contributes to the overall expansion of women’s sports in the region.