NEWCASTLE will become the first full-time professional football club operating in the Women’s National League from next season, it was reported today.

Becky Langley’s side earned promotion to the third tier of the women’s football pyramid after beating Barnsley 2-0 to become Division One North champions.

The Magpies pulled in remarkable crowds last season, with 28,565 watching the 2-1 defeat to Barnsley in the FA Cup and 24,092 fans in attendance for their 6-1 win against Bradford at St James’ Park.