Bending it like Beckham

The hit film, Bend It Like Beckham, has probably done more for Women's football than any other single event.

It's the story of a young Indian girl who dreams of breaking with her cultural traditions and becoming a professional footballer - her idol is, of course, David Beckham.

And life follows art this bank holiday weekend when the real pros of the game do battle in the Women's FA Cup Final at Selhurst Park.

A crowd of 20,000 is expected for the match between Fulham and Doncaster Belles.

Fulham can complete a hat-trick if they win.

Fulham's Katie Chapman said: "We've won the League Cup and the Championship and are hoping to complete the treble.

"We lost in the Final last year which makes this match even more important to us. Doncaster are a really strong side so we'll have to be at our best to win."

Football is now officially the nation's most popular women's sport so, if you were disappointed not to get tickets for the big boys' Cup Final between Arsenal and Chelsea in Cardiff, this will be a match worth seeing instead.

AXA Women's FA Cup Final: Doncaster Belles v Fulham
Monday 6 May, 1pm
Selhurst Park, Park Road SE25
Rail from Victoria
£5 (£1), or £3 in advance from 020 8771 8841