We received this email from one of our lovely readers and so passed on the query to them people what organise these things...and The FA duly responded, in super quick time, and explained to our Harriet.
Dear FG,
I can’t wait to go watch the FA cup final at Nottingham Forest FC, however after much debate with friends and family about why the women’s FA cup final is not at Wembley, we came to the conclusion that it maybe because of the atmosphere of such a big place would not be right with the number of people watching. I was still not satisfied that this was a reasonable answer but kept my frustration in this matter to myself. Until I was OUTRAGED to see on our local news that an under 11's boys team reached a final of their county cup and it was to be played at Wembley! I cannot see how the atmosphere at a boys under 11 game at Wembley stadium is going to be better than the FA cup women’s final!! Could someone please give me an answer to why the ladies have to play at Nottingham Forest FC and not Wembley like the men’s sides (and boys)?!?
Thank-you
Harriet Rudd
And this is the swift answer she got from The FA's Alex Stone:
"The main factor for choosing Nottimgham again was the overwhelming support we received from the Borough and City Council, numerous development agencies, the County FA and even the fact that E.ON have a major office in the East Midlands...all these things combined to help to attract the crowd we had last year (almost double the previous best).
"We anticipate another big crowd this year, allied to major kids events taking place in the city centre on Saturday, opposite the City Ground on Monday, and the fact the Victoria Trophy and another big girls' festival are taking place in Nottingham on the Sunday.
"We have even managed to get discounted hotel rates for teams to encourage them to stay up for the final - all this takes a lot of planning and support, which has been built up over nearly 2 years.
"Wembley was in our thoughts but the success of last year, and the central location for the teams, and groups of girls and women across the country ultimately won out, and we expect a good turn out from Leeds fans just up the M1.
"As for the U11's team, they won a competition through McDonald's, whose millions enable them an event to be hosted at Wembley.
"Don't forget The FA Umbro Fives competition gives any female team (aged over 16) the chance to play at Wembley, and anyone involved from Watford Ladies, as well as likes of Middlesbrough and Langford etc would vouch for a fantastic experience....teams can still enter the local heats for this year too...."
What do you think? Are you happy the cup final is not in London again? Or do you think it should be there? You must be glad you have had months to organise getting to the game? Or do you just want to spread the words of one of the songs you are going to sing or a shout out to a team attending or a player playing?
Let us know, send us an email to this address: jen@fgmag.com
Lyn was first to get in touch and she reckons... (and we'll check out her query too)
Dear Fair Game,
I think it's a great idea that the FA Women's Cup Final is being held in Nottingham again. After the record turnout last year I think it's only right that Nottingham hosts it for a second year. It's central for everybody and a neutral venue.
I didn't understand why the League Cup Final was all the way down in London. It favoured Arsenal supporters while Everton fans had a long way to travel and the football ground wasn't even announced until the semis had already been decided (unlike the FA Cup final). I'd like to know how the decision was made to host it at Leyton Orient. On saying this, it was worth the journey as im an Everton Ladies supporter!
