Sunderland AFC Women will take on Newcastle United Women in the Wear-Tyne derby at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, on Sunday 29 March 2026. The match is set to kick off at 2:00 PM, with the stadium gates opening earlier in the afternoon for fans to enjoy several pre-game activities.
A dedicated fan zone will open in the East Stand concourse at 12:30 PM, featuring a live DJ, face painting, and a special exhibit from the Sunderland Fans Museum. Supporters are encouraged to arrive early as the first 300 fans through the doors will receive a free slice of pizza from Domino’s.
This match is part of the expanded WSL Fan Choice pilot, a trial run by the Women’s Professional Game and supported by the Football Supporters’ Association which allows fans to drink alcohol in their seats during the game. It is the second meeting between the two rivals this season, after Newcastle won their previous encounter 3-1 in November 2025.
Sunderland head coach Mel Reay said the team wants to show what they are about following recent defeats in the local derby. The event is also being used as a Her Game Too fixture, which is an initiative that promotes equality and welcomes more women into the sport.
Tickets for the game cost £8 for adults and £3 for those under 22, while Newcastle manager Tanya Oxtoby brings her team to the stadium sitting in fourth place in the Women’s Championship table. Sunderland currently sit in seventh place but could still finish as high as fourth or fifth by the end of the season.
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