Newcastle United Women`s football club in conjunction with the City Council`s football development scheme will be hosting the first ever U19s International football tournament in the City.

A full programme of coaching and development opportunities will also be available for girls aged five to 15 years old, as well as coach Education and Volunteer support workshops.

Neil Ramshaw on behalf of the City council said: "As coordinator for YES 2006, I am very excited at the prospect of Newcastle hosting a year long event where the City's cultural focus will be sport and associated physical activity.

"I'm thrilled that NUWFC will partner us in organising a Women's International Football Tournament and am sure will do well in the tournament itself."
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This decision should be great news for womens football in the UK, giving it extra much-needed exposure that I'm sure the game will thrive on.

Newcastle United Women’s FC have received a massive boost for 2006 in the form of a £15,000 grant to deliver free football coaching sessions.

The programme is to develop football for girls aged 6 to 14 in the region via six Fundays per year, over the next three years.

The FA Women’s Premier League Northern Division club, in conjunction with Newcastle City Council’s Football Development scheme, will offer girls the opportunity to attend football Fundays in specific areas, free of charge.

The aim of the funding is to encourage youngsters to get involved in the country’s biggest female sport as well as help them to access a healthier lifestyle and have lots of fun and enjoyment.

The Fundays are designed are young players to learn the techniques and skills required to be a team player and assist young girls to access local football teams within the County of Northumberland.

Football Development Officer, Rob Atkin said: “We are ecstatic that the Northern Rock foundation has awarded the funding to cover three years of delivery.

"This grant will ensure that we can deliver the very popular Fundays to over 2,000 children who otherwise might not have the opportunities to get involved in the sport they love.

"It is not only a great boost for Newcastle United Women’s FC but for everyone involved in girls football throughout the area”

For more details and application forms for the free NUWFC Fundays please contact: Newcastle Football Development scheme on 0191 2740181 or e-mail: rob.atkin@newcastle.gov.uk