It’s been a whirlwind two weeks for Formby’s Tina Hamilton.

The mum-of-two was given the surprise of a lifetime while coaching an SSE Wildcats session last month at Deansgate Park - when she was greeted with of the sight of the SSE Women’s FA Cup being presented to her by a representative from the Liverpool FA.

She was then told she would give the trophy to the winning side in Saturday’s final at Wembley, Tina and her family enjoying being special guests as part of the day.

Chelsea defeated Arsenal 3-1 in front of a record crowd for the fixture - more than 45,000 people - with Tina, of Duke Street, handing over the famous cup to winning skipper Katie Chapman.

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And it really was a day to remember for Tina, who was selected to present the cup due to her tireless dedication to coaching young girls football at Formby Junior Sports Club.

“There are so many memorable moments, sitting in the royal box for starters, something I’d never dreamed I’d do!” said the 40-year-old.

“And then to be presenting the cup to Katie Chapman was just sublime. The streamers went off, I shook [Chelsea manager] Emma Hayes’ hand and to see the game as well was brilliant.

“It’s massive to have it at Wembley – SSE’s input has been invaluable and it’s raising the profile for all my girls who take part in the SSE Wildcats centre at Formby Juniors.

“The game was incredible. I thought Arsenal were going to come back but what was really impressive was that both teams played with pure passion.

“It was end to end action but Chelsea has a bit more composure in the ball and nicked it in the end. It’s just a fantastic advert for girls’ football.”

Tina’s children Lily, 14, and 11-year-old Dominic were with her on the day, as was husband Colin.

And Tina was completely bowled over with the attendance on the day – the 45,423-strong crowd smashing last year’s then record for the showpiece by more than 10,000.

“Five years ago, we had 5,000 at the final and that was played at Doncaster,” she added. “Here we are in 2018 and to have the attendance we had on Saturday, it gives you goose bumps.

“My son is an avid follower and said to me ‘mum, this is the start of something massive and we’ve been a part of it’.

“So out of the mouths of babes. I’m entirely grateful for the chance [to present to trophy] and it’s priceless. May the girls' game keep growing and growing.”

For more information about SSE’s involvement in women’s football visit https://sponsorship.sse.com/