Pen pictures 2021-22

“Mickey” has signed for another season at RCA.  He is a very quick and tricky forward with an eye for goal scoring 13 goals last season his aim is to improve on that this season. His lightening quick pace scares defenders and he has added positional sense to his game which helps his teammates. Another player who is well liked by our supporters always plays with a smile on his face.

Tom is a product of our youth set up. He is starting his second season with the club, a versatile right sided player capable of playing as a full back or right winger he is pacy, a good crosser of the ball and has good vision. He is also signed for our reserve team where he will gain invaluable experience playing in the Wearside League. One for the future.

Joshua steps up from the Reserve team, a commanding presence in the heart of the defence. He is a strong central defender who is good in the air and confident in his distribution. His influence among the younger players is evident as he encourages them to perform to their best. 

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. Injury in pre – season has curtailed his training and it is unlikely he will be in the starting eleven soon. One for the future..

Signed from Workington last season, Kieran is a Ryhope lad who has committed to another season at his home town club. He has previously played for South Shields and Blyth Spartans before joining Workington. He is a left full back who can also play left wing back. A good tackler and distributor of the ball he also possesses a wicked cross and has an abundance of pace. He never accepts second best from either himself or his team mates, a completely committed player.

Josh has signed for RCA after being released by South Shields Academy he played in the same Shields team as Michael Annang-Colquhoun. A left sided player he has been on the management team radar for some time. Definitely a one for the future.

 "Sparky" starts his 6th consecutive season for RCA. He is one of the most respected strikers in the Northern League. 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. "Sparky", will be looking to strike up a partnership with "AJ" Andy Johnson, another prolific striker. 

Ben has signed for RCA after being released from South Shields in the summer. He is a tall central defender who is very good in the air and has deceptively quick feet. He Reads the game well and 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. 

Callum has been re-signed after a spell at Easington CW. Callum has also played for Consett and Blyth Spartans where he made 13 appearances in the National League North. Callum is a graduate of  the South Shields Academy and made 15 appearances for the first team scoring three goals. Other than Consett his only other Northern League experience was gained at West Auckland. Callum is a dynamic midfielder who likes to get in the thick of the action but also possesses a good array of passing skills.

Dan is a very experienced Northern League player and has committed to a second season at RCA. He is a versatile midfielder who loves a tackle, a good distributor of the ball and inspires others around him. Dan is captain of the team and last season played in a variety of different positions and showed his competitiveness in all of them. 

Josef has re-signed  after a brief spell at Chaester-Le-Street Town, a product of Spennymoor United's Academy. He continues to develop in training under the supervision of our goalkeeping coach. A young prospect for the future. Good hands, commands his box and a good distributor of the ball he also reads the game well.

James has signed after some impressive performances for the Under'23s. James is a tall keeper who commands his area and has good communication and distribution skills. All of the above can be improved with regular training and development with the first team coaching staff.

Simon has extended his contract at RCA for another year.  Simon was part of the Consett team which contested the FA Vase final. Last season he was outstanding playing in 44 of the 45 games played and maintaining the highest level of performance. He is tall central defender who is equally as comfortable in the centre of midfield, good in the air he reads the game and reacts accordingly, he does the simple things well. Simon always looks in command.

Nathan has put pen to paper on another season at RCA, Nathan is a good ball winner and very good in the air. A product of the Gateshead College Academy, he’s a high-energy player who is equally effective as a right sided midfielder or as a defender. Struggled with injuries last season but is determined to return to full fitness this season. His previous clubs include Consett and Bishop Auckland.

Keaton has committed to another season at RCA . Keaton is a good shot stopper, has great awareness and is calm under pressure, he has teh ability to turn defence into attack quickly. His previous clubs include  IFK Mora in Sweden, Mansfield Town, Middlesbrough FC and Newcastle United. 

Bradley is a product of Darlington FC’s youth team where he was captain of  “Martin Gray’s Football Acedemy” under 19’s. He has since played for Bishop Auckland. He is a left sided defender who loves to get forward to support his attackers. Bradley loves a tackle and is a good passer of the ball. 

Callum signed towards the back end of last season from North Shields, returning to the club after an eight year absence. He is a central midfield play-maker who possesses an incredible range of passing. Another who, if remaining injury free, can cause problems for the opposition.

Taylor starts his second season at RCA after an impressing last season, A crowd favourite Taylor is a dynamic player who is purely and simply an entertainer. He is quick, agile and fiercely competitive. A quiet, unassuming, lad off the pitch; watch for the fireworks once he crosses the white line. Opposition defences be warned. We may not see the best of Taylor this season as rumour has it he is destined for the USA.

Josh is a left full back who loves going forward to help out his attackers. Has loads of ability and once he realizes it his confidence will grow. His defensive awareness is good, reads situations quickly and responds appropriately. A massive asst to the team on the left.

Matty joins us from Whitley Bay FC. A quick tricky forward who scores goals. He has a lot of experience of playing at this level having previously been at Ryhope CW, Bishop Auckland and Crook Town.

Jack has signed this season having played for Chester-Le-Street last season. a good shot stopper and excellent communicator he has a safe pair of hand and commands his box.  Will improve as his fitness develops.

Sunderland RCA's manager Steve has a wealth of Northern League experience 20years as a player and more recently over the last 10 years in team management roles. He assisted our previous manager Martin Swales during Ryhope CW successful rise from the Wearside league to the Northern League before becoming manager at Bishop Auckland where he was manager for 5 years. During his time at Bishop’s they never finished outside the top half of the table and enjoyed cup success reaching the FA Cup 4^th Qualifying Round in 2017. He briefly helped at RCA under “Swaz” as coach.

.Leon Joins Dan and Steve on the management team. Leon is an ex-RCA player and is aware of the clubs history and ambitions. Leon is also a well respected Northern League player having played for Norton and Stockton, RCA , Guisborough and Bishop Auckland to name but a few. He has a great understanding of the Northern league and players in this league. He was vocal on the pitch and is the same on the touchline. Leon is well able to lead by example having only recently “retired” from playing, (He Thinks)!!