The Kenny will be the biggest venue to date to host the competition’s Final, which will be fought out between two of Newcastle and Hashtag following their semi-final victories this weekend.
The Women’s National League Cup is an annual competition open to the 72 teams in the Women’s National League (WNL) and works in a knockout process through the rounds. The Final was previously held last year at Burton Albion’s Pirelli Stadium where Nottingham Forest beat Watford 3-2 in added extra time. This year, the current champions have been knocked out, and none of the teams left in the competition have previously won the competition, meaning there will be a brand-new name on the trophy.
The Final will be played on Women’s Football Weekend. This FA initiative encourages fans to go along to a women’s football game and celebrate the talent within the game at all levels. The WNL Cup Final is the perfect opportunity fans to watch a game at a lower level but with high quality on show, and a trophy at stake.
The year’s event at Kenilworth Road also marks the 40th anniversary of the first ever Women’s European Championship, which was held at the ground in 1984. The Lionesses reached the Final but unfortunately lost on penalties to Sweden in a two-legged tie. As part of this year’s game, The FA plan to celebrate the squad by inviting all players from the team down to the game on the 23rd March.
Gary Sweet, Town CEO said: “The women’s game has grown to new heights in so many ways in recent seasons and we’re truly seeing a new era for women’s football.
“That’s why we are delighted to have the backing of the Football Association to provide Kenilworth Road as the host stadium for this hugely respected and exciting national competition, a fitting venue that the two finalists will deserve for such a big occasion.
“The success of our own women’s team this season has added to the already growing interest in the women’s game locally and we are looking forward to opening the Kenilworth Road doors to thousands of fans who feel similarly inspired.”
The club secretary of the Luton Town Ladies, David Baker said: “Luton Town Ladies Football Club are so thrilled to be involved in the Women’s National League Final this year. As part of the WNL, Luton Town Ladies know how exciting this competition is and want to get as much of the local community involved as possible.”
Sue Hough, Chair of the FA Women’s National League Board added: “The Women’s National League is home to 72 teams and this competition involves every single one of them. Women’s football has grown so much in the last few years and you can see this in the Women’s National League as well. We are very excited for the Final to be hosted at Kenilworth Road and thank Luton Town FC for all their help in making this possible.”
Ticket details for the final will be release in due course.
