FA Womens Cup Final 2023

Army FA at Women's FA Cup Final

Army FA involved in ceremonial duties at the FA Women's Cup Final at Wembley Stadium

The Army Football Association was involved in ceremonial duties at the recent Vitality FA Women’s FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium between Chelsea and Manchester United.

In front of a record 77,390 attendance Cpl Lois Jacobs (AGC) was part of a team of three that were responsible for the placement of medals and the trophy into the Royal Box as part of the pre and post-match ceremony. A representative from each service was selected which also included Cpl Rachel Howes (RAF) and LH Kiera Boylan (Royal Navy).

An enthused Lois spoke after the event and said, “Being able to speak with William, Prince of Wales followed by the walk out onto the pitch carrying the FA Cup in front of a sold out Wembley is nothing short of amazing. “The pressure was on because as soon as the cup touched the plinth, that indicated the start of the whole set up, to pitch walks and kick-off. Whilst I was nervous, I loved every second of it, the only thing that would beat this experience is being able to play a fixture at Wembley (which at my age will never happen). It's certainly a moment I’ll not forget.”

Chelsea were 1-0 victors to retain the trophy. The attendance set a world record for a domestic women’s competition which was previously 60,739 for the 2019 Spanish Primera Division match between Atletico Madrid and Barcelona.