Anna Patten has tasted success in the FA Youth Cup, but now craves glory in the senior competition as Aston Villa look to upset the odds and beat Chelsea to reach a Wembley final.
The 23-year-old defender hopes to feature in Villa’s first Women’s FA Cup semi-final on Sunday, taking on four-time winners Chelsea, who are also chasing a third successive crown.
Patten, on loan from Arsenal, has come close before – she was an unused substitute for the Gunners in their 2021 final defeat to Chelsea.
She also won two FA Youth Cups with Arsenal, developing an early love for the competition.
“The first final I played in with the under-17s, I had my Scottish family come down which was unusual. I had grandparents from both sides there,” Patten told BBC Sport.
“I remember they were all there with their phones out wanting me to pose for photos with the cup. It was a great feeling.
“The FA Cup is one of the greatest achievements you can have when you’re playing in English football. We definitely want to stop this Chelsea team as best we can.”
For Patten, who began her career at Arsenal and returned after graduating from college in the United States, says there is extra incentive to beat Chelsea because of the rivalry with her parent club.
“I’ll probably get a few messages from the Arsenal girls,” added Patten.
“They definitely want to see Villa in the final instead of Chelsea, seeing as they were the team who knocked Arsenal out too.
“Anyone beating Chelsea will probably make them happy. Me and [ex-Arsenal midfielder] Jordan Nobbs will take that into the game.
“A couple of the Arsenal girls might come to watch and will probably be supporting us as well. I definitely don’t think they will be cheering for Chelsea!”