Sunderland AFC Ladies' Stephanie Bannon to retire

Tyne Tees
Sunderland Ladies
Sunderland AFC
Sport
Thursday 1 June 2017 at 5:22pm

After 15 years playing for Sunderland AFC Ladies, Stephanie Bannon has announced her retirement from professional football.

The 28-year-old Black Cats captain now wants to focus on her life outside of the game and her career as a PE teacher. She will play her final game for the club this Saturday against Reading.

Stephanie first joined Sunderland AFC at 14 years old; later going on to lead the side to an FA Cup Final in 2009 against Arsenal, three consecutive National Premier League titles and a promotion to the FAWSL 1.

Stephanie's time at Sunderland AFC Ladies spans 15 years Credit: PA

Stephanie says leaving the club was a difficult decision to make as Sunderland is in her blood: