Kenilworth Road to stage FA WNL Cup final

Stage for the FA Women;'s national League Cup Final, Kenilworth Road
Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

Luton Town FC’s 11,500-capacity Kenilworth Road will become the first Premier League ground to host the FA WNL Cup final.

The FA Women’s National League Cup Final will be played on Women’s Football Weekend (23-24 March).

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 Luton ground in 1984. The Lionesses lost out to Sweden on penalties after a two-legged final tie.

As part of this year’s game, The FA plan to celebrate the occasion by inviting all players from the squad to attend the Final.

Luton Town LFC secretary David Baker told thefa.com: “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 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: “Recent years have been really exciting for the FA WNL, with accelerated growth supported by the Premier League through our strategy ‘Empowering For Success’. Having the opportunity to play the FA WNL Cup Final at a Premier League stadium really embodies this progress. 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.”

Gary Sweet, Luton Town CEO further commented: “The women’s game has rightly 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 with Kenilworth Road set to be recognised by UEFA for the 40th anniversary of hosting the first Women’s European Championship, we are looking forward to opening the our doors and arms to thousands of fans who feel similarly inspired.”

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