Former Everton manager Joe Royle has had the glory of being a Wembley winner and says those who will walk out under the arch on Saturday courtesy of the FA People's Cup are in for an unforgettable treat.
The 66-year-old, who won six caps for England, led the Toffees to victory in the 1995 FA Cup final against Manchester United and was on hand to dish out the medals to the finalists on Monday.
Women's winners Liverpool Feds
The winners will get to accept their trophy in a presentation at half-time when Arsenal meet Aston Villa in The FA Cup Final, and Royle was impressed with the competitiveness on show in Manchester.
“You don't have to be a star. This is about fun,” he said. “Nobody is on trial, everyone is here to enjoy themselves. It's sport for all and it is terrific. I'm very impressed.
“They are going to have a fantastic day out at Wembley. There is still nothing like Wembley, the roar at Wembley, the noise and the atmosphere. What a place. I was fortunate enough to be manager when we won 20 years ago, but I can remember it like yesterday.”
Codnor fire home from the penalty spot against Croydon Casuals
An enthralling afternoon's action, with three of the five finals decided by a penalty shoot-out, began with a breathtaking display from Manchester Amputees, who beat Hopwood Hall College 7-0 in the Disability final.
Lee Dobson and Sean Kelly scored two goals apiece, while Mickey Chambers, Martin Heald and the supremely skilful Jamie Tregaskiss added their names to the scoresheet.
The Walking Football final was decided on penalties after Derbyshire-based Codnor drew 1-1 with Croydon Casuals. Ian Goodley had the honour of notching the decisive spot-kick as Codnor triumphed 9-8 in a nail-biting finale.
Manchester Amp FC celebrate with the trophy after winning the Disability Final
Amy Seagraves was the Liverpool Feds hero, scoring twice in a 3-1 defeat of Deportivo in the Women's final.
Seagraves opened the scoring from close range after a fine run from Kinvig. She then doubled Liverpool's lead, before Kinvig grabbed the goal her performance deserved. Leah Rawle finished low from close range to hit a consolation for Deportivo.
Liverpool captain Chantelle Thompson said: “It feels great, brilliant, I'm so excited.
“I've not been to the new Wembley before, it will be a great day.
Deportivo pose for a post-match selfie
“We all play 11-a-side football for Liverpool Feds and we've not really played five-a-side football together, but we saw this tournament and I'm so pleased we entered, because we have loved it.”
The Canaries Allstars have goalkeeper Ibrahim Nakhuda to thank for their tickets to Wembley, after he saved penalty number five in a shoot-out to see off experienced campaigners Tuttle United in the Veterans final.
Bournemouth-based Tuttle, who have been playing together for 25 years and have some 125 trophies to their name, looked to be in control with goals from brothers Kev and Steve Collins.
But Saj Kalong had Canaries on the board, before Suli Hafeji hit the all-important equaliser.
With nothing to separate the sides in normal time their penalty shoot-out reached sudden death before Nakhuda came up trumps for the boys from Preston.
Men's winners Prize Hunters
Prize Hunters came from three goals behind to draw level with Twisted Cinnamon before deciding the Men's final on penalties.
In a finale befitting the occasion, Liam Canavan struck twice before Mussa Bham blasted in a third as the Leicester boys seemingly had one hand on the FA People's Cup trophy.
But talisman Kurt Herbert got Prize Hunters back in the game, before Daniel Beszant volleyed in number two, then kept his cool to finish from the penalty spot.
Beszant then scored again from the spot in a shoot-out and, after Twisted Cinnamon missed their second kick, Herbert made no mistake.
Triumphant Beszant said: “When you go 3-0 down you wonder if it will be your day. A few were doubting us, but you can't give up. Liverpool were 3-0 down to Milan and came back, so we drew on that inner strength and determination.
“I'm and Arsenal fan so I cannot wait to get to The Final.”
