Please click here for a text only list of player pen pictures or here for a current squad list - useful for opposition programme editors.
We have signed "Dom" on a dual registration from South Shields. He is an exciting young prospect who is looking to progress at this level and above. he is a speedy minfielder who is not afriad of a chellenge and has very good vision, is an excellent passer of the ball.
Max joined the club last season after being released from Newcastle United. He joined Newcastle in 2017 on a two year scholarship and played in the majority of the under 18s matches during his time at the club.He was somewhat thrown in at the deepend last season when Clayton Davis was injured but he proved a more than capable replacement and ended up playing 38 games. He is a solid dependable defender who is comfortable on the ball and is a good passer of the ball.
James returns to RCA after a season out through injury, this will be his sixth season at the club. James career so far includes spells at Spennymoor Town FC, Sunderland AFC and Hull City. He is a versatile player who can operate in both midfield and defence. He has good vision and awareness and his defence splitting passes and free kicks are a joy to watch. He has also committed to assisting in the coaching of the players.
Tom is a product of our youth set up. Having impressed the management team in pre-season a decision was taken to promote hime to the first team squad as midfield / defensive cover. His first priority will be to show he has athe determination and character to get into the first team while maintaining a committment to the under 17's.
Tom joined us on a months Work Experience from Hull City Academy at the end of last season which was curtailed by Covid-19, he was subsequently released by Hull giving us the opportunity to sign him on a regular basis.
He proved in the 6 games he played last term that he is a skilfull midfielder who is very comfortable on the ball, is a good tackler with a great range of passes, he also chips in with his fair share of goals.
Signed from the Youth team "Josh" is a dynamic winger who is at home on either wing. He is expected to progress with experience in the first team squad while continuing to impress in the youth set-up
Dane has signed after being released by Leeds United. He was offered a professional deal at Leeds United after spell in the Newcastle United Academy. He impressed when playing for Leeds Under 19s team. Dane won the League Football Education's ‘Goal of the Season’ in the 2018-19 season. An attacking defender / midfielder he will be an asset to the club.
Stephen starts his seventh season with RCA. Stephen is a pacy and dynamic player who is equally at home on either wing or played up front as a striker. Strong and powerful, he has great touch and control on the ball and possesses a terrific shot which will see him produce his fair share of goal scoring opportunities. Having been dogged by injuries in the last two seasons he is keen to get back to full fitness and play a full part in the coming season.
Jonathan has returned from a successful foray in the USA where he played for Hartwick College, Cleveland FC and Lake Erie College where he was voted player of the season and also captained the side. Upon his return to England he has chosen to re-sign for RCA after an absence of 4 years.
Jonathan is a solid player who has good vision, loves to get stuck in and relishes a competitive game. He also possesses a wide range of passes. A quiet lad off the pitch, but a bit of a tiger once he crosses the white line. Welcome back.
Aaron has returned to the club after a short spell at Billingham Synthonia, he is currently working as a coach at Middlesbrough Foundation having previously held the same position at Sunderland AFC. He is a pacy midfielder with good awareness and passing abilityand is comfortable in all midfield positions which an asset to the team. Previous clubs include, Washington, Seaham Red Star and Easington.
Clayton is starting his seventh season at the club. He is a dynamic, speedy winger / defender who loves to take on defenders. Clayton is also a great crosser of the ball and chips in with the odd goal. He is one of those rare breed of players who always has a smile on his face and is great to have around the dressingroom.
Mark "Sparky" Davison needs no introduction for Northern League football fans. A strong and direct centre forward who can be relied upon to score with head and feet as well as setting up opportunities for others, "Sparky" was RCA's leading goalscorer last season and is looking forward to bagging a few in the coming season. Previous clubs include: Ryton, Washington, Spennymoor and Morpeth.
"Deano" signed last season from Marske United where he was part of the team that secured promotion from the Northern League in the 2017/18 season having also helped them win the title in 2014 / 15. He played over 200 games for the Seasiders. He was also part of Spennymoor Town's FA Vase winning team in 2013 when they beat Tunbridge Wells at Wembley. "Deano", is a great shot stopper and a keeper with great vision, able to turn defence into attack, his distribution is first class. He brings a wealth of experience to the team and we are plaesed to have him at the club.
Henry returns for his second season at RCA having signed last season after being released by Morecambe FC. A defensive minded midfielder he still managed to score his fair share of goals in the Morecambe Academy team. We didn't see the best of Henry last season but are hopeful that he can make an impact this term. another player who always has a smile on his face a true character in the changingroom.
Dylan, is now beginning his fifth season with RCA having joined us from Easington Colliery. He was at Sunderland AFC from the age of 8 to 15, before joining Hartlepool United on a scholarship from the age of 16 to 19. Dylan has also had Northern League experience, spending two months at Bishop Auckland. He is a competitive central midfielder with a phenomenal range of passes and is always fully committed in the tackle.
Ben is another player who has been signed on a dual contract with Ourselves and South Shields. He is a tall central defender who is very good in the air and has deceptively quick feet. His no nonsense approach to defending may be old school but its effective. We are expecting Ben will mature as a player at RCA and are happy to help with his development.
James has signed for RCA during the close season after spells at Whitley Bay and Bishop Auckland last season. Prior to that he was at Marske United. During the pre-season he has shown his willingness and effectiveness both in midfield and as a forward. He is very skillfull and has an eye for goal. Injury free he will be a great asset to teh team.
Paul has been brought in as cover for "Deano". Currently playing for Horden he has signed on a "Dual Registration"
Craig is now into his fifth season at RCA having previously played for Dunston UTS and Bishop Auckland. He can play as a central defender or in the centre of midfield and he is equally effective in either role. He reads the game well, is good in the air, loves a tackle and has the vision to pick out attacking options quickly. Craig will combine his playing with a position on the coaching staff this seasson.
We welcome Callum back after an absence of 4 seasons. He is a product of the Stadium of Light Academy where he spent several years before being released and joining Gateshead before signing for Durham City. Callum has worked hard recently on his fitness after losing his love for football he will be a great asset to the team if he regains his appetite for the game. He can play in midfield or up front. He is a great link up player who chips in with his fair share of goals.
Ryan has signed for RCA after being released by Sunderland AFC in th esummer, after a successful Work Experience with the club last season he has decisded to commit for another season. He is a highly rated winger who is lightening quick can cross the ball with both feet and possesses a fearsome shot. He scores his fair share of goals as well as supplying ammunition for the forwards.
Keaton has recently signed for the clus after returning from three month Training in Sweden, he was recruited to play for IFK Mora after being released by Mansfield Town. His previous clubs include Middlesbrough FC and Newcastle United. Keaton is a good shot stopper and commands his area well de also has excellent distribution. He could push "Deano" for the number one shirt.
Ross starts his sixth season with the club after returning from Billingham Synthonia. A left sided player, Ross has developed into a very good full back who is equally at home playing in the centre of defence. Defensively he is very competent, loves to get forward in support of his midfield and has a great range of passing. Injury free he is a great asset to the squad and a pleasure to have around the club.
Dale has signed from Brandon United for a second spell at RCA, A product of Martin Gray's Academy he signed professional forms for Darlington before being sent out on loan to Ryhope Colliery Welfare. He is a quick forward who has a direct approach which unsettles defenders and has a knack of scoring goals.
This is Nathan's fifth season at RCA, having signed from neighbours Ryhope Colliery Welfare. Tall and dominating in the air, Nathan is capable of scoring all kinds of goals, from two yard tap-ins, and headers to 25 yard screamers. He proved last season that he is effective in a central midfield role. There are not many better strikers in the Northern League when he is firing on all cylinders.
Ethan has impressed the management team when playing for the youth team. He is a solid defender who likes to get forward in support of his team mates. He is good in the tackle and is a good passer of the ball, always looks cool and unflustered. The journey starts here.
Ross is another player who is starting his fifth consecutive season with the club. Injuries last season reduced his appearances but when he regains full fitness there a few better central defenders in the league. His partnership with "Swanna" is certainly in the top two or three in the league. Ross is a powerful centre back who is good in the air, is a good distributer of the ball and has the ability to read the game and make it look easy. He is cool under pressure and is rated very highly at SRCA.
Club Captain, Greg is starting his fifth season at RCA. At 6'4", Greg is a powerful, imposing, no nonsense, old school central defender. As expected, he is good in the air, but he is also deceptively good on the ground with great awareness of situations as they develop. His leadership on the pitch is inspirational and he always leads by examble and is 100% committed to the football club both on and off the pitch..
Sunderland RCA's manager Martin has a wealth of Northern League experience both as a player and as a manager. He managed the very successful Ryhope Colliery Welfare team who in Season 2010-11 won all four competitions in the Wearside League. Repeating the feat the following year and also clinching promotion for RCW to the Northern League Division 2. He has also managed Bishop Auckland for a short time. He is passionate about his football, especially in the local area, and instills a sense of belief in his players.
"Gee" returns for yet another spell at RCA, He can't keep away.Having played for the club in his Hey-day he knows haw the club operates and brings with him a wealth of experience. He was also a member of the very successful Easington CW FC team which reached the first round proper of the FA Cup. "Gee" comes in alongside Mark Cowan as Martin Swales assistants. Never see him without a smile on his face.
Coach, Forward
"Larks" returns after taking a year out through injury. We say it year after year but Colin is the epitome of a professional, and his influence is seen throughout the team. His previous clubs include West Auckland, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Kidderminster Harriers (loan), Alfreton Town, Chesterfield, Northampton, Hartlepool, Lincoln City, Harrogate Town and Gateshead. He keeps coming back to RCA for the love of the game and the club. He will always lead by example on and off the pitch and his enthusiasm for the game is infectious, the younger players in the squad will continue to learn from him and if they are half as good then they will have a great career in football.
Lenny, who has joined RCA as a goalkeeping coach, played Northern League football for most his career and worked with Martin Swales as a coach at Ryhope CW and Bishop Auckland. With considerable Northern League experience at Hartlepool Town, Chester-le-Street, Esh Winning, Washington and Ryton, he's a great addition to our team.
Sunderland RCA, Meadow Park
Beechbrooke, Ryhope
Sunderland SR2 0NZ
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