Pupils' pride at making SSE Women's FA Cup fifth round draw

Two Doncaster school girls today got the chance to conduct the draw for the flagship competition in women’s football - The SSE Women’s FA Cup.

Shonola Elkin and Maddison Risby from Plover Primary School, aged 11 and 10 respectively, drew the balls that decided the Fifth Round ties in the competition - the stage at which FA Women’s Super League 1 sides enter the competition.

And Doncaster Rovers Belles’ new striker Natasha Dowie was also on hand to meet the children and oversee the draw. 

Her team will play current Women’s FA Cup holders Chelsea at Keepmoat Stadium, and the other ties included a mouth-watering clash between Liverpool and Manchester City, while Arsenal will travel to Birmingham City.

It is the first year the draws for the competition have taken place in schools and pupils also took part in a football session, which Dowie helped to lead, before the draw took place.

"Doing the draw was really exciting, but I was nervous," admitted Maddison. 

"I play for Sheffield Wednesday U11s and I hope that one day I can play in The FA Cup. Being coached by Natasha was fun and really exciting and I would love to do it again."

Dowie, who scored the winning goal for Everton in the 2010 Final, added: "It’s been great coming down here today and seeing the draw done in such a different way. It’s a great experience for the girls and I bet they’ll remember it for a long time." 

On facing current holders Chelsea, she said: "You’ve got to beat the best to win the trophy, we will give it a good go. It is The Women's FA Cup and we want to win it, what better way to do that than beat the champions?

Natasha Dowie takes part in a session with the pupils at Plover Primary School ahead of Monday's draw

"They are the holders and ideally in a cup draw, you maybe want an easier draw early on so you can get that confidence going, but we have Chelsea and we have to beat the best. I am really excited about that." 

The Final will be played at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 14 May and this year children will go for free thanks to The FA’s partnership with Cup sponsor SSE.

Alan Young, SSE Managing Director Corporate Affairs, said: "Last year’s Final, held at Wembley for the first time, was a great occasion for everyone who attended, especially SSE customers who had access to special offers and the chance to win money can’t buy experiences.

"We are exceptionally proud to sponsor The SSE Women’s FA Cup and very excited about how the partnership is progressing. We’ve started to see the plans we’re making with The FA to grow the women’s game take shape and this sponsorship is a source of real pride for SSE employees.

"It would send a very positive message about the women’s game if we broke 2015’s record attendance so I’d urge everyone to get along to Wembley in May for this year’s Final."

Tickets are available now for the Final, priced £15 for adults and family tickets, group booking and charter standard discounts are also available. Tickets are available via TheFA.com/Tickets or by calling 0844 826 2010.

The Fifth Round Proper draw

Birmingham City v Arsenal
Doncaster Belles v Chelsea
Brighton & Hove Albion v Sporting Club Albion
Reading FC v Millwall
Yeovil Town v Sunderland
Liverpool v Manchester City
Notts. County v Durham
Aston Villa v Everton