Sunderland RCA look to work with Black Cats as non-league strain grows | OneFootball

Sunderland’s top-flight resurgence has energised Wearside, but non-league neighbours say cooperation and fixture tweaks could help them withstand mounting pressures.

Mark Forrest said: “Sunderland have been out of the Premier League for a few years and it’s great to see what they’ve done. For me, it’s all about getting more bodies in the ground because that’s what gets much-needed revenue into the clubs.” Speaking to Sunderland Echo.

Sunderland RCA are now the city’s only Northern League club after Farringdon Detached quit the Wearside League and Sunderland West End confirmed they will resign at the end of the season, while Ryhope CW folded three years ago shortly after lifting the Durham Challenge Cup for a second time.

“Maybe we need to move some fixtures to a Friday night, maybe we need to work our fixtures around Sunderland a little bit better to try and get some more bodies through the gates because we need more in. That’s not just in Sunderland, every team are saying the same thing in the Northern League.”

Despite operating in Division Two, RCA are Wearside’s highest-ranked non-league side, with Seaham Red Star at the same level and Easington Colliery and Horden CW impressing in Division One. The club lodged a provisional Northern League resignation in February 2023, citing finance, support and committee challenges, but later withdrew and are rebuilding.

Forrest added: “It’s tough for all of us and the first thing I think of with West End and Farringdon resigning is sadness and disappointment because nobody likes to see teams in the area having to resign. Committee members, volunteers, supporters, they are all crucial and as crucial as what goes on on the pitch.”

Source: Sunderland Echo