Rachel Brown-Finnis believes The FA People’s Cup can only keep growing and growing after seeing the scenes at this weekend’s first round.
The former England goalkeeper was in Manchester on Saturday, after previously attending the inaugural People’s Cup there last year.
And having seen the increase in teams this time around, particularly in the girls and women’s categories, Brown-Finnis was impressed with what she saw.
The FA People's Cup
Second Round: 27-28 February 2016
Categories: Adult Male, Adult Female, U16 Boys, U16 Girls, U14 Boys, U14 Girls, Male Veterans, Female Veterans, Walking Football (Over 50s & mixed), Disability
"It’s a brilliant concept and I just hope it continues year-on-year because having seen the inaugural one last year, it’s grown massively," she told TheFA.com
"Last year there were five teams, but this year there are more than 20 teams, just in this region on this day.
"So the interest has certainly grown and I’m sure it will continue to do so.
"There have been so many campaigns from The FA to try and get more women involved in football and sport, whether that’s to get them back involved in sport after a break for whatever reason and it’s certainly doing the job.
"There are even some faces here who I recognise from playing against who haven’t played for a long time and there are groups of teams who hadn’t played together before, so there’s a really good mixture of women and girls involved.
"But they’re all here to enjoy it and I’ve been quite inspired by the set up today."
The skills on show also impressed the former Everton Ladies player, who tasted Women’s FA Cup victory herself in 2010, and is now pleased to see footballers from the amateur game chasing their own glory in The People’s Cup.
Over 35,000 players and 4000 teams played at 120 venues in The FA People's Cup last weekend
"There’s some decent talent and skills on show, some more refined than others admittedly, but they’re all giving it a go," added Brown-Finnis.
"It’s great to see teams coming off the pitch having worked up a sweat and challenging themselves, and stepping out of their comfort zone for those who haven’t played before.
"That’s a big step, to come and join a tournament and so many people will get so much out of this tournament for so many different reasons.
"So there’s been some good skills and a lot of heart here.
"There are ten categories of the People’s Cup and it means that anyone from all different ages, gender and ability can really grab the opportunity to play in their own FA Cup.
"That dream is realised in this tournament and it’s a chance to try and realise that.
"It’s a unique opportunity and the girls are relishing it."
