The 11,300-capacity stadium is already host to Barclays Women’s Super League side Aston Villa, who play all their Adobe Women’s FA Cup and Women’s League Cup ties at the stadium. Eight teams are still left in the competition, with Plymouth Argyle, Watford, Hashtag United, Real Bedford, Burnley, Stoke City, Middlesbrough and Nottingham Forest all hoping to win the 33rd edition of the cup.
The FA Women’s National League Cup is an annual competition open to the 72 teams in the WNL and works in a knockout process through the rounds. The Final was held last year at Luton Town’s Kenilworth Road where Hashtag United came from a goal down to beat Newcastle United 2-1 in front of 3719 spectators. The current holders who are still in this year’s competition, could end up lifting the trophy for the second year running, a feat which has previously been achieved by Arsenal, Blackburn Rovers, Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur.
With half of this year’s Quarter-Finalists currently sitting in the top three of their respective leagues, the Final, which will be played on the weekend of 22-23 March 2025, will celebrate the best of the Women’s National League with a trophy at stake.
Sue Hough MBE, Chair of the FA Women’s National League Board said: “The FA WNL is continuing to grow each year, and the leagues are becoming more competitive. We are reflecting this growth in the calibre of stadiums we’re selecting for the League Cup Final. The final is always one of the best days in the calendar and this year’s will be no different. We thank Walsall FC for all their help in making this possible.”
Ben Sadler, Walsall FC CEO further commented: “Hosting both our own women’s team and Aston Villa Women’s matches over a number of years, we have seen the growth of women’s football firsthand with record attendances and success on and off the pitch.
“That’s why we are thrilled to have the backing of the Football Association to provide the Poundland Bescot Stadium as this year’s FA WNL Cup Final host stadium. We are very excited to create a special matchday experience for the two finalists and help contribute to their big day.”
Nick Adshead, Walsall FC Club Secretary added: “We are delighted that our club has been chosen to host this season’s FA Women’s National League Cup Final. This prestigious event represents a significant milestone not only for Walsall FC but also for women’s football in the area, which continues to grow and inspire. We look forward to welcoming fans, players, and officials to our stadium for what promises to be a great occasion.”
Two of the quarter-finals take place this weekend with Plymouth Argyle hosting Watford and Hashtag United facing Real Bedford, with the other two quarter-finals taking place on 14 and 15 December (Burnley vs Stoke City will be played at Turf Moor and Middlesbrough will take on Nottingham Forest at The Map Group UK Stadium).
Tickets for the final will be going on sale once the semi-finals have taken place and the date and kick-off are confirmed.