Sunderland RCA consider working around Black Cats fixtures amid non-league strain | OneFootball

Sunderland RCA are the city’s sole Northern League club and their manager believes fixture tweaks that complement Sunderland’s schedule could help attract bigger crowds. According to Sunderland Echo, the strain on local non-league sides continues despite the Black Cats’ resurgence.

After Championship play-off heartbreak under Tony Mowbray three years ago, Sunderland returned to the Premier League last season when Regis Le Bris oversaw a Wembley win against Sheffield United, ending a nine-year absence. An ambitious summer brought Granit Xhaka, Robin Roefs and Brian Brobbey, with notable victories over Chelsea and Brentford and a league double against Newcastle United driving sell-out crowds.

At the other end of the pyramid, Ryhope CW folded three years ago shortly after lifting the Durham Challenge Cup for the second time. In the last fortnight, Farringdon Detached have left the Wearside League and Sunderland West End will resign from the Northern League at season’s end, leaving RCA as the city’s only Northern League presence.

RCA are now the highest-ranked non-league team on Wearside despite playing in Northern League Division Two. Seaham Red Star remain at the same level, while Easington Colliery and Horden CW are exceeding expectations in Division One.

RCA are no strangers to the game’s pitfalls, having submitted a provisional resignation in February 2023 citing finance, support and a lack of committee involvement, a decision later withdrawn as a rebuild began.

Manager Mark Forrest praised Sunderland’s impact on the area and noted Middlesbrough’s efforts to guide supporters towards local non-league clubs such as Boro Rangers. He said increasing attendances is vital for revenue and suggested Friday night kick-offs or working around Sunderland’s fixtures could help. He also voiced sadness at West End and Farringdon’s decisions, stressing the importance of committees, volunteers and supporters.

Source: Sunderland Echo