Women's football offered massive BOOST as FA Cup final to be played at Wembley

For the first time in history, the national stadium will stage the women's showpiece occasion – a landmark occasion for women's football in this country.

Tickets for the final, which will be broadcast live on BBC One, are on general sale from on Tuesday.

FA chairman Greg Dyke says that holding the final at Wembley "is another important milestone in the development of the game".

He added: "The final will be a truly historic occasion this year and we're looking forward to a great game of football."

Proposals to hold the final at Wembley were made in January following the considerable interest shown in the England women's team last November.

More than 45,000 people attended Wembley, in spite of tube disruptions, to watch Mark Sampson's side lose 3-0 to Germany.

Simmons said: "The England v Germany game was such a big moment for women's football and we wanted to use that, along with this summer's World Cup in Canada, to build momentum across the wider women's game. So it felt like the perfect time to for the Final to be at Wembley."

Yesterday the draw was made for the fifth round. Holders Arsenal Ladies were drawn away to Millwall Lionesses on March 22.

Arsenal will be aiming to reach their ninth final in 10 seasons and their playmaker Kelly Smith welcomed the chance to wear club colours at Wembley for the first time.

Smith said: "As a player you dream of playing in an FA Cup Final at Wembley – and now we have the chance to do that, which is amazing.

"It will be even more of an incentive for clubs and players to progress in the competition and reach the Final. Hopefully it will be another fantastic showcase for women's football and help to grow the same even more."