'I hope this inspires a new generation of fans'

FUTURE LOOKING BRIGHT FOR GATESHEAD INTERNATIONAL STADIUM AS NEWCASTLE UNITED WOMEN FC ARE SET TO MOVE IN

- By DANIEL HOLLAND

A NEW generation of football fans inspired by the triumphant Lionesses can help deliver a bright future for Gateshead International Stadium, council leaders hope.

It was announced last week that Newcastle United Women FC (NUWFC) will be moving to the stadium from their previous base at Kingston Park for the upcoming season.

And it is hoped that the huge popularity of women's football across the nation, driven by England's back-to-back Euros success, will help the venue thrive after an uncertain time.

Doubts surrounding the future of the stadium meant that Gateshead FC were blocked from taking part in the National League promotion playoffs in 2024, as the Heed were unable to satisfy an EFL rule requiring aspiring members to possess a 10-year security of tenure on their home ground.

Gateshead Council, which owns the site, warned at the time that it could no longer afford to run the stadium and it was at risk of potential closure if an outside operator was not brought in to take it over.