Gateshead College kicks off elite partnership

A North East college women’s football team is set to compete at the highest youth level outside professional academies.

Gateshead College’s women’s team has earned a spot in the National Football Youth League (NFYL) North East Championship and will rebrand as Gateshead FC U21 Academy from the 2025/26 season. 

The move follows a new partnership with Gateshead FC, giving players access to professional-standard training and kits, as well as providing a vital pathway for young female talent.

Codie Nichols, coach of Gateshead College Women, said: “This is a huge moment for us. 

“The partnership with Gateshead FC creates a clear route into the women’s game at a senior level and gives our players the chance to develop in a high-performance environment week in, week out.”

Bernard McWilliams, chair at Gateshead FC, added: “We are delighted to partner with Gateshead College to include the female under-21s team now playing under the Gateshead FC banner within the NFYL. 

“This only goes to show the importance we place on the development of women's football and will go to strengthen our senior ladies team, as well as introduce a pathway for our girls’ youth team.”

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