SSFC Women aim to "build on" historic 24/25 campaign, says Clough

This article was published in The Mariner, South Shields FC's matchday programme, ahead of the men's friendly against Sunderland AFC on Saturday, July 12th, 2025.

South Shields Women aim to “build on” their historic 2024/25 campaign with a number of “exciting” developments underway.

The lasses finished in fourth place in the NERWFL Premier Division for the third season running, a feat made possible by their strong run of four wins during their final six games.

They also reached the semi-final of the Durham FA Women’s Cup, losing only to eventual double winners, Chester-le-Street Town Ladies.

A match that will live long in the memory, meanwhile, was the Mariners’ penalty shoot-out victory against third tier side Halifax FC Women, in front of the 1st Cloud Arena faithful in November.

That win meant that Shields reached the second round proper of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup for the first time in the club’s history.

Looking ahead, there is plenty to be excited about, most notably the introduction of a new and expanded Women’s and Girls’ Pathway.

The existing First Team (tier 5) will be complemented by a Reserve Team (tier 7) as well as an U17s Girls’ Team (Russell Foster Youth League).

Head of Women’s Football (and Co-Head Coach), Sophie Clough, is relishing the new season.

She said: “It’s been a great off-season period; lots of growth and progress made with expanding the women’s playing pathway, creating more opportunities for new players as well as some of our younger players. 

“Looking ahead at the season, we’re looking to build on last year, with a lot of returning players that we set a good foundation with last year, have another good FA Cup run and hopefully end the season with some silverware. 

“We’ve got a good pre-season plan, with some strong competition.

“We’re all looking forward to getting going later this month and getting after it. 

“We’re excited to put on a show for the fans and play some exciting football.”

To keep up-to-date with the latest information across the three squads, follow the club on social media - @SSFCWomen on Twitter/X and @southshieldswomenfc on Instagram.

For further information about the Women’s and Girls’ Pathway, please reach out to Sophie Clough at sophie.clough@southshieldsfc.co.uk.

Image credit: Craig McNair (@ideventphoto)