GO BEHIND THE SCENES OF THE ADOBE WOMEN'S FA CUP DRAW
A cheer went up from the crowd as a Manchester derby was drawn in the semi-final of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup as a group of fans, assembled to find out who the last four teams standing in the competition will face in the next round, caught a glimpse of just what it’s like to go behind the scenes of a cup draw.
The quarter-final watch party, a social event staged in association with She’s A Baller, was held at The Yard – a performance and event venue – in Manchester.
The draw was hosted by current Sky Sports and former BBC reporter Miriam Walker-Khan following the conclusion of the day’s ties.
“It’s a huge honour to be hosting,” said Walker-Khan. “It’s kind of a ‘pinch me’ thing. I think after this weekend, it will really hit me how exciting this is to be a part of. The draws are such a special part of the FA Cup because you don’t do it every single week which makes them that much more special.”
Walker-Khan is no stranger to the Women’s FA Cup, having hosted this season’s fourth round draw earlier in December which took place in East London at the launch party of the competition’s newly unveiled YouTube channel.
MEET THE HOSTS
Miriam Walker-Khan
Sky Sports' diversity and inclusion reporter Miriam Walker-Khan hosted the semi-final draw, having also presented the fourth round draw.
Che3kz
Having performed alongside the likes of Ed Sheeran, Che3kz is a grime artist and rapper from Manchester.
Alex Bailess
Content creator Alex Bailess hung up her boots after captaining Hashtag United and representing the club in the Women's FA Cup.
And there is a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes, from rehearsals to script writing to broadcast operations, in order to bring the draw to life.
“So much goes into the planning,” added Walker-Khan. “I was watching Kelly Somers do the men’s draw last week and it looks like it just pops up on telly and that’s it but actually there’s so much that goes on behind the scenes and the bones of it. So much has to be really meticulously planned."
And believe it or not, even the professionals feel the pressure of presenting a live draw.
“It’s terrifying!” said Walker-Khan. “It’s really helping today that we’re doing the little bits in between the games but as soon as you know you’re live – whether it’s TV or YouTube – it’s a bit scary. It’s really different from my day job which is reporting where you stand in front of a camera and talk. But this is different because it’s hosting and everything has to be perfect.
“It’s also pressure because you know the teams and players and coaches are watching which is unlike anything that I do in my day job so it’s a real challenge. Hopefully now that I’ve done one, this one will be a bit easier.”
Rapper and grime artist Che3kz, who was back on home turf in Manchester, conducted the draw alongside Alex Bailess – the former Hashtag United skipper turned content creator.
While Che3kz drew the home teams, Bailess was responsible for picking out the away teams in front of a live audience gathered at The Yard.
“We did a dress rehearsal this morning and we actually practiced pulling sweets out of the bowl,” said Bailess. “I put my hand in, pick out a ball, read out the number, remember to look at the camera and speak nicely into the microphone.
“Then we’ll have a bit of a chat afterwards about those draws and what we expect to see from them and see if the crowd are pleased with those draws – hopefully we’ll get a good cheer.”
The pair were assisted by one lucky member of the audience who was selected to lend a helping hand during the draw.
Manchester City fan Emily, who attended alongside her girlfriend and their friends, was chosen from the crowd to be a part of the draw which took place live on the Adobe Women’s FA Cup YouTube and social channels.
“We went and got our picture with the cup and when you took your picture with the cup, you then had to write your name down and they picked the names out,” said Emily. “They picked my name out and I was buzzing!
“I was nervous but I was really excited. We did a practice run and they showed me how to do it and it’s a good job we did the rehearsal because the first time I did it wrong. They said, ‘you need to squeeze the bag to show all the balls have come out!’
“I got my mum to watch and my flatmate and she text me after to say she’s never been so proud.”
“The vibe really is a women’s football vibe. It’s brilliant because there’s so many people that come and meet new people. It feels like a real celebration."
Miriam Walker-Khan
With Manchester United having already secured their place in the last four with victory over Sunderland on Saturday evening, Manchester City and Aston Villa got the day underway just four miles across the city at the Joie Stadium. And it was the hosts who advanced, running out 2-0 winners over the Villains.
City were later joined by league leaders Chelsea, who edged out Crystal Palace in a 1-0 victory, and Liverpool, who ousted 14-time FA Cup winners Arsenal at the quarter-final stage with a 1-0 win.
In between ties, fans were treated to a special performance from Gunners brass band Fat Brass. The quintet, who met at university and describe themselves as ‘diehard Arsenal fans’, regularly play to a sold-out Emirates Stadium but this weekend, they serenaded a crowd of supporters dressed in all different jerseys, from the sky blue of Manchester City to the royal blue of Chelsea and of course, their beloved Arsenal reds.
“Old school brass bands used to play at matches and the police silver band used to play before kick-off at the old Highbury years and years ago,” said Michael, who plays sousaphone. “It’s just a fun way of updating that tradition.
“We started playing around pubs on matchdays unofficially because we were going to the pub anyway so we thought we might as well use it as a rehearsal opportunity. From there, we found our way into the Emirates and we’ve been warming up supporters since then and they just keep letting us back in!
“We’ll often walk from the stations and carry some fans down with us towards the Emirates. We usually inspire some dancing and a bit of a circle opens up usually and people thrust their mates into the middle to have a bit of a boogie.”
And the group linked up with Che3kz later in the evening to put some live horns to the rapper’s set following the conclusion of the draw.
“They found us through Arsenal after the pretty good 5-0 North London derby the other week,” continued Michael.
“When you’re doing this, it’s not like you have the big warm up and all the anticipation – you’re providing that and you turn up and you switch on. It’s how I imagine the players feel when they turn up and they have to deliver, but I’m not saying our job is as hard as that!”
From Sri-Lankan food to exclusive giveaways, photo opportunities with the trophy and a wall of shirts representing every club who have played their part in this season’s competition – including Bailess’ former side Hashtag United – there was something for everyone.
“It's also a good opportunity to bring people closer together,” explained Bailess. “In women’s football, there are so many different people in the space.
“There might be people that are creative in art, music or fashion and I think that can all tie together in football and that’s why it’s cool with events like this because you meet people. Like today, there’s a sketch artist that I was just chatting to which is so cool!”
While keeping a watchful eye over the Blues’ game against Palace as a Chelsea supporter, host Walker-Khan caught up with familiar faces and met some new ones during the day.
“The vibe really is a women’s football vibe,” said Walker-Khan. “It’s brilliant because there’s so many people that come and meet new people. It feels like a real celebration. A lot of the time, you don’t get to sit and pause and have these moments and network. In between games, I’m meeting loads of people.
“I think a lot of the time, you try and replicate what happens in a men’s game but what She’s A Baller are doing is really trying to make our mark on the FA Cup which is really cool.”
The semi-final sees Manchester City host Manchester United in a local match-up, while Chelsea entertain Liverpool. Just two teams will make it through to the final to battle it out for the trophy under the famous arch as the competition reaches its culmination and the road to Wembley is well and truly on.
Built with Shorthand