The Everton Ladies legend ran the rule over teams featuring in the north west heats of the girls’ U16 tournament.
And the 34-year-old was able to share a few pearls of wisdom gleaned from her illustrious career which saw her win 82 caps, feature in two World Cups, two Euro Finals, enjoy stints on both sides of the Liverpool divide and a spell in the USA.
Rachel with Ole United, who won the girls' U16 semi-final in Manchester
"Whenever I played five-a-side, I liked to be outfield as all goalkeepers think they can play a bit. I’m no exception," admitted Brown-Finnis.
"I really wish there was a tournament like this around when I was a kid.
"It’s a wonderful concept because it enables everyone to get involved – from all age groups and abilities. They can just turn up and give it a try."
And Rachel’s vocal performance from the sidelines as the tournament unfolded gave a hint of what the future holds.
"I haven’t exactly put my feet up since retiring," she revealed.
"Football is a passion that doesn’t fade when you stop playing. My long term ambition is to become a goalkeeping coach, but for now I have the opportunity to do a lot of media work and have maintained my links with Everton."
The FA People's Cup
- Small-sided nationwide knockout tournament
- Open to all players of all ages and abilities
- Completely free to enter
- Participants can register as teams or individuals
- Winners collect trophy at Wembley Stadium
Rachel will be cheering on Everton from the sidelines on Sunday as they turn out at Goodison Park hoping to secure a second successive spot in The FA Women’s Cup Final.
The Toffees, who are seeking promotion from FA WSL 2, have the small matter of overcoming Notts County for a precious spot at the inaugural Wembley Final on 1 August.
"It’s a massive game," she added.
"Getting to The Final would be good reward and give us a big lift in our promotion push. And to play at Wembley adds even more gloss."
Everton Ladies would do well to follow the form of Ole United, a team which has already secured their berth in the next stage of the People’s Cup.
The Stoke-based U16s team will now be returning to Manchester on 25 May after winning Sunday’s semis.
Ole United manager David Robinson has been pleased with the People's Cup effect on his team
"This is brilliant for the girls and they worked really hard to deservedly book their place in the Finals," said manager David Robinson.
"One of the girls found out about the People’s Cup and encouraged everyone else to get involved.
"We have some real talent in the team and who knows, the People’s Cup may give them the opportunity to push on to a higher level."
The 18 regional semi-final venues featured a total of 1,785 participants whittled down from over 30,000 in the first round.
They competed in five-a-side teams across categories ranging from U14s to veterans, disability and walking teams. Results are currently being collated and the winners will appear in a round-robin tournament in Manchester next month.
The victorious teams will then be invited to collect the medals at Wembley on FA Cup Final day and attend the showpiece Final.
