Rutherford AFC

Rutherford Ladies were the first ever women's side in the Borough of Gateshead when formed in 2001 and entered the Northern League, finishing in fifth position in their first season. Katherine Coxon played in that first season and finally took the decision to hang up her boots after 20 years loyal service and well over 300 appearances in the 2021-2022 season. She has remained a loyal team supporter.

After a few successful seasons in the Northumberland League a lot of new players decided to join the squad. The team became too large and that is when the development team was formed with Sara Coxon taking a back seat from playing and took on managing at the young age of 16. The two squads ran seperately and successfully on their own for around 5 seasons until the first team folded during the season 2008-2009. This decision affected both squads due to the amount of players that were lost but the development team battled on through it.

The development team became the only womens team at Rutherford which was a scary prospect as a lot of long serving players left as well as feeling like there was more pressure on them to win. The first season was a rocky one starting wth a lot of players at the beginning of the season, who then left a few weeks later to play for our old first team. We battled our way through and finished in the top half of the league which was a great achievement for us.

It might of taken a long time for the team to find their feet again but finally it has happened and we have now built up a great squad full of fantastic attitudes and team spirit.

Rutherford Ladies play their home games at Rutherford AFC's Farnacres ground, based in Lobley Hill, Gateshead.

The team play in the Durham County Women's League and secured promotion to Division 1 at the end of the 2018-2019 season finishing second place in league as well coming Runners up in the league cup and winning the Subsidiary Cup. The squad have reached the League Cup Final 3 times in the last 4 years.

Rutherford AFC is the oldest club in the region, having been formed in 1878 and having a full playing history since that date. The club was lucky enough to have undergone a £1.4m ground development involving new changing facilities, clubhouse and a third generation training facility benefitting all of it's members.