NEWCASTLE United are one of four Women's Championship teams who are taking part in a pilot scheme to allow supporters to drink alcohol in the stands.

Newcastle will participate in the pilot at Kingston Park when they take on Portsmouth on January 26.

Bristol City and Southampton will begin the pilot on January 19 at Ashton Gate and St Mary's against London City Lionesses and Sunderland, respectively.

Birmingham are the other team participating.

Currently drinking in sight of the pitch is banned in the top five tiers of the English men’s game, but the legislation does not cover the women’s game.

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Speaking at The Summit – part of Leaders Week London – in October, chief executive of Women’s Professional Leagues Limited (WPLL) Nikki Doucet confirmed that trials would be taking place.

She said: “We are testing that actually in a couple of teams in the Championship this season and we’ll see what we learn from that.

“I think our fan base and the behaviour is different (to the men’s game), and I think ultimately it’s about being able to give our fans choices, while obviously maintaining the safety and what we need to do in terms of being responsible.”

Each team will be involved with the pilot for either four or five home fixtures in the second half of the Women’s Championship season.