Dario Vidosic joined Brighton in 2024 from Melbourne City. When Brighton face Manchester City in the Women's FA Cup final, it will mean more to the club than just hunting a first major trophy.

Rado Vidosic, the club's head of women's and girls' coaching, passed away in January following a battle with cancer. He was manager Dario Vidosic's father and a much-loved figure following his arrival a year earlier. Rado's passing aged 64 was felt by everyone at Brighton and Dario missed a month of the Women's Super League (WSL) campaign on compassionate leave.

His return in February inspired a strong finish as the Seagulls climbed to seventh and reached their first FA Cup final. On Sunday, Dario will lead his team out at Wembley (15:00 BST) with his family watching in support.

"Football connects a lot of people through life. You make great memories and it will be a nice day," he told BBC Sport. "I carry dad every single day with me into every game and I think about what he would tell me and what I've learned from reading back through his notes from when he was a coach.

"I still try to pick up words of wisdom from him. I know he will be with us and I know he's been with us for every single game. Hopefully we can go out, play some nice football, make him proud and give him something to celebrate."

Rado Vidosic was 'one of the most incredible men'.

Dario, 39, was born in Croatia - the home country of his parents - when it was part of Yugoslavia, but moved to Australia a year later when Rado played for Queensland Lions. He followed his father's path, becoming a player and representing Australia, before moving into coaching.

Asked about the role of football in his life, Dario added: "From a young age it was probably with dad, everything was with him. When he was playing, I was watching. A lot of the time I'd be on the back fields with the kids. We were in a Croatian community club, so were always together.

"We would play early in the day with the juniors and then we'd head off to wherever the first team were playing. Those are all my memories, just following dad around. It was something I loved to do. Mum and dad both sacrificed a lot to help me travel. I never felt like I missed out."

For Dario, moving into coaching was "natural" and he asked to join Rado as an assistant at Melbourne City to learn the ropes. In 2022, his father moved across to the men's side so Dario took charge of the women's team before joining Brighton two years later.

During his time in the WSL, he has impressed in helping Albion close the gap to the top four. "[My dad] influenced what we're doing and some ideas that we were working on together, even when I was his assistant [in Melbourne]," said Dario. "I try to live day by day, try to improve myself, try to improve the team and give them as much as I possibly can.

"Now I'm enjoying it [in a different way]. I went to my son's training this week. It was a beautiful afternoon. It's a moment to disconnect even though you're not disconnecting from football totally. Family gives that nice perspective away from the game."

Rado Vidosic spent four years in charge of Melbourne City Women between 2018 and 2022. There is a lot at stake at Wembley with opponents Manchester City, recently crowned WSL champions, chasing a domestic Double. Brighton, meanwhile, are looking to scale new heights having continually raised investment in its women's team for several years.

In 2021, the women's team moved into training facilities at the American Express Elite Football Performance Centre thanks to an £8.5m investment. Last month, they released plans for Europe's first purpose-built women's football stadium, at a cost of £75-80m.

On the pitch, top talent has arrived, including England's Euro 2022 winner Fran Kirby, Nigeria keeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and Japan striker Kiko Seike. It is the right trajectory for success and Kirby hoped their performance in the FA Cup final will honour Rado's part in their growth.

"I'm pretty sure there will be no-one else prouder than Rado of Dario for getting there. We really wanted to honour him and the work that he did here," said the 32-year-old forward, who won the FA Cup five times at former club Chelsea.

"It left a massive mark on the team, and to get to Wembley, with everything that's been going on, is credit to the coaching staff to push their emotions aside."

USA striker Madison Haley, who scored in their dramatic 3-2 win over Liverpool in the semi-finals, believes Rado will be on their minds on Sunday. Asked what victory would mean to the Vidosic family, she told BBC Sport: "It would be really, really special but Dario's not one to make it about himself.

"It's not something he would probably say to the group but it's definitely been on our minds. We all want to make Rado proud. I think he would want us to give absolutely everything and get it done. Hopefully we can continue to make the whole family proud."

Listen to Ben Haines, Ellen White and Jen Beattie on the Women's Football Weekly podcast. New episodes drop every Tuesday on BBC Sounds, plus find interviews and content from the Women's Super League and beyond on the Women's Football Weekly feed. Get the latest WSL news on our dedicated page.