Non-league neighbours eye Sunderland collaboration as tough times bite | OneFootball

Sunderland RCA are now the city’s only Northern League club, and manager Mark Forrest believes inventive collaboration with the Premier League side could help non-league neighbours boost attendances during a difficult spell.

“Sunderland have been out of the Premier League for a few years and it’s great to see what they’ve done. It’s been amazing and even transformational for the area. For me, it’s all about getting more bodies in the ground because that’s what gets much-needed revenue into the clubs.” He was speaking to Sunderland Echo.

Sell-outs at the Stadium of Light are now routine as Sunderland, back in the Premier League after nine years, continue on an upward trajectory under Regis Le Bris. Yet below, life remains fragile. Ryhope CW folded three years ago, while in the last fortnight Farringdon Detached have resigned from the Wearside League and Sunderland West End will leave the Northern League at the end of the season.

That leaves RCA as Wearside’s highest-ranked non-league side despite playing in Division Two. Seaham Red Star are at the same level, while Easington Colliery and Horden CW are in Division One. RCA withdrew a provisional resignation lodged in February 2023 and are now rebuilding.

“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.”

“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. It’s disappointing seeing teams go.”

Source: Sunderland Echo