Maya Le Tissier will present The SSE Women’s FA Cup trophy at this Saturday’s Final, a reward for the commitment the young footballer has shown to women’s football over the past 12 months.
The move, which will see Maya become the first Under-16 to present a major trophy at Wembley, is set to inspire children and teenagers around the country and remind the sporting world of the increasing opportunities that exist in women’s football.
One of England’s brightest young players Maya, who only recently celebrated her 14th birthday, earnt her first international cap at just 13 years old becoming the first Guernsey footballer to represent an England side since her famous namesake Matt Le Tissier. Maya will have the honour of presenting the iconic trophy to either Arsenal or Chelsea, who are set to go head to head in a mouth-watering all London clash.
England Head Coach, and last year’s trophy presenter, Mark Sampson, says role is one that carries great importance: “I was incredibly proud to present the trophy last year and it will be a truly great honour for Maya and I’m sure she’ll enjoy the occasion.
“We want to get more girls playing, watching and being involved in the game and this is another step in the right direction”.
Maya’s role represents the latest joint initiative from SSE and The FA to improve participation in women’s football, following the launch of a new girl’s only football programme earlier this year. The programme will see funding for existing football clubs who wish to create girls only coaching sessions and build new competitive playing squads for girls between the ages of 5 and 14.
Maya is one of SSE’s Next Generation athletes, part of a programme that provides young athletes with funding and expert mentoring in a bid to help them fulfil their full sporting potential and create a lasting, living legacy for sport. Arsenal midfielder Leah Williamson is also part of the programme and will hope to add a winner’s medal to her list of achievements under the scheme.
Describing the landmark moment for the competition, Alan Young, SSE Managing Director of Corporate Affairs said, “SSE is incredibly proud to support women’s football and be an integral part of the huge progress the game is making. Maya’s role is a historic move for the competition and will hopefully inspire the thousands of girls watching around the country to become involved in the game”.
Holder’s Chelsea will be aiming for a second successive SSE Women’s FA Cup crown as they take on 13 times winners Arsenal on Saturday 14 May in front of what is expected to be a record crowd. Thanks to The FA’s partnership with SSE, all children will be able to attend for free. Adult tickets are priced £15 and group bookings and charter standard discounts are also available.
Tickets for the Final are on sale now via TheFA.com/Tickets or by calling 0844 826 2010.
