There has been increasing speculation that Niall Quinn may extend the club's support to the women's team.

Since Sunderland AFC stopped funding the ladies' side in 2004, the women have had to rely on handouts and raise funds with supermarket bag packs.

The Black Cats still provide them with kits and use of a ground at Hetton, but there is no financial security for the club and not enough money to cover expenses.

Sunderland Women's chairman, Maurice Alderson, said: "We're the highest-ranking team in the North East and the only regional team to play in the FA, but it's still a case of desperately trying to raise funds.

"It is a shame to ask the girls to give up their Saturdays to pack bags in Asda, but it is at the fore all the time. Our monthly meetings are always about how the funds are going."

The team was formed eight years ago when East Durham Houghall Kestrels and Sunderland Ladies combined to become Sunderland Women.

Since then, the club has consistently performed to a high standard, playing four seasons in the Northern Division and three seasons in the Women's Premier League.
Unfortunately, the lack of money has caused them to lose some of their finest players, including Jill Scott, England midfielder, who went to Everton.

England keeper Carly Telford and England defender Stephanie Houghton both went to Leeds, a club which gets financial support and pays the girls' travelling expenses.

Maurice said: "I think the FA should do more. They are in favour of promoting the women's game and delighted it is the fastest-growing sport in England, but we get very little support.

"It can be very disheartening when you see the amount of money in the men's game because it doesn't cost much to run a women's club."

The club receives the same amount of cash as London-based teams, but being in the North East means they have further to travel and higher expenses.

Since 2004, the team have struggled financially and at one point, living week to week, they came very close to winding it up.

Maurice said: "Things got bad last year and SAFC helped us out with our travelling expenses towards the end of the season.

"We would love to have closer links with the parent club and become SAFC Ladies.

"Not only would we be able to hold on to some of our better players that come through the Centre of Excellence, but we would be able to bring in new talent as well."