Cup Update: FA Centres of Excellence National U-17 Cup

A single-page update on the 2012-13 FA Centres of Excellence National Under-17 Cup ahead of semi-finals on 6 April, Arsenal against Aston Villa and Blackburn against Everton, with the final set for 4 May. Arsenal coach Angela Murphy says her squad travel from South-East London, Essex, North London and the Midlands, and were drawn away in the previous three rounds at Devon, Bristol and Lincoln; after losing last year’s final to Chelsea, returning was a season aim. Blackburn development manager Gemma Donnelly credits a squad effort but notes Rio Hardy scored all four goals against Derby, and that the club travelled 870 miles, beating holders Chelsea 5-0 with five different scorers. Aston Villa’s Joe Hunt admits they had not practised penalties before beating Oxford 7-6, praising goalkeeper Caitlin Leech.