Pen pictures

Stephen starts his sixth 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 missed most of last season after undegoing a groin operation he is keen to get back to full fitness and play a full part in the coming season.

Aaron is currently working as a coach at Middlesbrough Foundation having previously held the same position at Sunderland AFC. He is a pacy midfielder who can play on the either side or down the middle. Has been known to post the odd video on YouTube of himself doing football tricks. Previous clubs include, Washington, Seaham Red Star and Easington. 

Kyle is a very quick, strong, tough competitor who wears his heart on his sleeve. He loves a challenge, as we know from when he has played against us, and can play in midfield or forward. His previous clubs include Bishop Auckland and Ryhope CW.

"Deano" has signed 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 and we are plaesed to have him at the club. 

Dylan, who is now beginning his fourth season with RCA, 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, and is an excellent signing for RCA. Dylan was named Sponsors' Player of the Season for 2017-18. He is a competitive central midfielder with a phenomenal range of passes and is always fully committed in the tackle.

Josh has signed from Consett, an exciting left sided winger who is highly respected in the Northern League having played for Newton aycliffe, Durham City and Ashington before joining Consett. He was also part of the Darlington team from 2008 to 2011 playing 49 times before going on loan to Blyth Spartans. Josh is an intellegent player who possesses a turn of speed and is a good crosser of the ball. He will bring experience ans maturity to what is a fairly young team. 

Craig is now into his fourth 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 passes quickly. Craig was joint winner of the Management Player of the Season award for the 2017-18 season. 

Sam is a Ryhope lad who  played for Middlesbrough up to the age of sixteen and then went to  Scunthorpe from 16-18. A strong centre half who can read the game well, Sam's key strengths are his passing and pace. He will have learnt a lot from studying Ross and Greg and is willing to play anywhere in defence.

Dom, who has just returned to Sunderland from four years at Wolverhampton Wanderers has a strong footballing upbringing. He played for SAFC 7-9s, the Sunderland Sunday League for Nissan and from 13 to 14 was at Hartlepool, fitting in a trial at Manchester United as well. Dom can play striker, midfield and full back. His key strengths are his hard work and commitment to the team. Long term RCA fans will remember Dom attending RCA matches as a youngster, when his father Glenn played for us.

Ross begins his a fourth season with the club after returning from Washington. He returns to Meadow Park to reunite his partnership with "Swanna". 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. 

Alex is a 21 year old central defender who was released in the summer by Sunderland having played regularly in the Under 23 team. He comes highly recommended. He is a good all round defender who is comfortable on the ball, good in the air and an intelligent passer of the ball.

Kyran has put pen to paper after impressing in a number of pre-season cameo appearances. A solid right sided defender he likes to get forward in support of his midfield and possesses a good cross.

Mark has been a big supporter of RCA off the field and has now jumped over the fence to join the football management. After a bad knee injury put pay to his footballing career as a youngster, Mark, from Birtley, ran teams in the Gateshead and District Sunday League. Mark brings commitment, energy, enthusiasm and management experience to the organisation of the team.

Now into his sixth season with RCA, Colin is the epitome of a professional, and his influence is seen throughout the team. Colin's previous clubs include West Auckland, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Kidderminster Harriers (loan), Alfreton Town, Chesterfield, Northampton, Hartlepool, Lincoln City, Harrogate Town and Gateshead. He leads by example on and off the pitch and his enthusiasm for the game is infectious and the younger players in the squad will continue to learn from Colin.

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.