Newcastle Olympic will enter the Herald Women's Premier League next year after Northern NSW Football announced on Thursday they would take over Wallsend's licence for 2020.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Wallsend's WPL teams will join Newcastle Olympic, as will key Red Devils personnel to manage the program.
NNSWF are eyeing a transition to National Premier League standard for its women's top-flight competition by 2021 but to do so clubs will need to address a range of criteria including improved facilities.
Newcastle Olympic president George Sofianos described the move as an exciting one for the club.
"Women's football is a tremendous growth sport and we felt we needed to be part of this," Sofianos said.
"Having a women's program, in conjunction with our successful men's program, it will add tremendous value to our club and we look forward to being a part of the Herald Women's Premier League."
Wallsend club captain Sophie Phillips said it was a promising move for players.
"The support we've received has been fantastic and we have already been made to feel very welcome," Phillips said.
"We hope to bring a lot of success to Olympic in the Women's Premier League.".
Wallsend, this year's NNSW Women's State Cup winners, announced last month former Newcastle Jets player Harmonie Attwill would coach the side in 2020.
Outgoing Red Devils coach Brad Jones has replaced Keelan Hamilton, who is now an assistant coach with the Jets' W-League side, at New Lambton for next season.
Olympic are the second NNSW NPL club to take over a WPL licence. Broadmeadow announced in October they would return to the women's top-flight competition in 2020 after taking over South Wallsend Junior Soccer Club's WPL program.
