The 2023-24 Emirates FA Cup kicks-off with the Extra Preliminary Round this evening, and several sides are set to make their very first appearances in the competition.
Despite being founded in 1885, Harleston Town from Norfolk are among them, and their Chairman, Adam Mullin, is hoping that they can create even more history when they face off against Kempston Rovers at home tomorrow.
“We’re going to take one game at a time, and we’re hoping for a great day on Saturday, but hopefully the best team wins, and we go onto the next one. The Emirates FA Cup is everything. Growing up in the 70s it was the only game on TV, so it was the only game we got to watch, and this is amazing for the club and local community. We’ve put a lot of effort in to make sure that everyone has a great day, and that’s the most important thing.”
To recognise and celebrate the club’s debut in the competition, its famous trophy was taken to Wilderness Lane in Harleston ahead of this weekend’s fixture, and around 300 club officials, players, fans and people from the local community were able to have their photos taken with it.
“It’s unbelievable that we’re in the Emirates FA Cup, which is incredible, and that The FA has seen it fit to bring this amazing trophy to our ground. Seeing the youngsters and the youth teams with big smiles on their faces when they saw it is the main thing. We’ve built our club the right way with a lot of young, local talent, and we’ve got our reward.”
732 clubs will take part in the Emirates FA Cup this coming season, with over 200 ties scheduled in the Extra Preliminary Round alone, and further details can be seen here.
