Entitled ‘Adventure Flight’, the poem was written by renowned poet Lemn Sissay MBE, who is famed for his work as the official poet of the London 2012 Olympic Games.
The poem captures the unique adventure that football fans experience with The FA Cup. From the dreams of the underdogs, the edge-of-seat moments and the heartbreak that comes with another campaign coming to an end.
On writing ‘Adventure Flight’ Lemn Sissay MBE said: “The FA Cup is like no other competition in Football. Every year, fans experience a unique adventure – with hopes and dreams of reaching Wembley Stadium for a day of glory. This poem captures the essence of The Cup and the journey the fans go on.”
Over the course of this season, fans are being encouraged to celebrate the adventure of The FA Cup. The famous trophy has already visited the South Pole, and fans are being asked to submit their own FA Cup adventure pictures via Twitter using the hashtag #FACupAdventure, for inclusion in an FA Cup 2014/15 Adventure Book.
Fans who provide photos will be in with a chance to win prizes throughout the competition, including tickets to The FA Cup Final.
Young football fans are being given the chance to take The FA Cup on their very own adventure, including taking it to their school or have it visit their home for a sleepover. Entries for the competition can be made via The FA Cup Facebook page.
ADVENTURE FLIGHT by Lemn Sissay MBE
The third planet from the sun, this spinning earth
Thousands of football cups but only one is first
Here comes the light to break the pitch: The new day
Crowds wake! Clouds break! The adventure is under way
I will not waiver I will not fall. I will not cower
When under great pressure the great overpower
We are equal in dreams - underdogs and over achievers
We are nothing without adventure believers
There’s everything to gain: Everything to prove.
Touch and be touched, move and be moved
Summon all resources, steal chance, take risk
The challenge, the adventure, the grit.
One game one destiny one goal one curved ball of earth
One and all young and old more than gold is worth
All four corners, this field this cup – Our number one
When against all odds carry on. Shout “Carry on”
Make wings of your arms with the heart. At its centre
The challenge, the Flight, Every game’s an adventure
