The new knockout competition forms part of the BBC’s 'Get Inspired' campaign.
Up to 14,000 small-sided teams and more than 100,000 players will be given the chance to taste the glory of lifting a trophy at Wembley Stadium on FA Cup Final day.
From Sunday League regulars to those who have only ever kicked a ball in their back yard, The FA People’s Cup offers everyone the opportunity to follow in the path of FA Cup legends such as Bryan Robson, Steven Gerrard and Nat Lofthouse.
The FA People's Cup
- Small-sided nationwide knockout tournament
- Open to all players of all ages and abilities
- Completely free to enter
- Participants can register as teams or individuals
- Winners collect trophy at Wembley Stadium
FA Chairman Greg Dyke gave his backing to the new competition, and said it is a wonderful opportunity to get people active and involved in the national game.
“Football is everybody’s game and The FA People’s Cup embodies that ethos,” he said.
“It is completely free to enter and whether you support a team that is fortunate enough to still have hopes of making it to the Wembley showpiece or one that went out in the preliminary round back in July, now you have your own chance of claiming honours at the home of football.
“I am passionate about increasing participation in grassroots football and applaud the BBC which has given us a platform to further this work and ensure that the game continues to grow and flourish.”
The competition begins on the weekend of 21 and 22 February with more than 5,000 hours of football played across 550 venues nationwide.
The FA People's Cup is completely free to enter and welcomes male, female and disability players across ten categories – ranging from U14s through to veterans (over-35s). Players can find FA People’s Cup venues near them by searching here.
It also features the increasingly popular walking football, which caters to those who enjoy playing the beautiful game at a more sedate, but no less competitive pace.
“Football is everybody’s game and The FA People’s Cup embodies that ethos”
Greg Dyke FA Chairman
Players can register whether they are part of an established team or an individual who can join 'wild card' teams that are formed on the day once they complete the registration.
Once the registration is complete the competition will take place over three rounds.
After the First Round weekend there will be with eight regional venues hosting the semi-finals between 24-26 April.
The finals will take place on Bank Holiday Monday 25 May in Manchester, and the winning teams will be invited to the FA Cup Final at Wembley to receive their FA People’s Cup trophy on 30 May.
Highlights of the finals will be made available to watch on the BBC Get Inspired website.
Disability Football Finalists will be decided through a series of Football Festivals taking place in March and April.
If you are a disability football team or an individual player interested in being part of The FA People’s Cup Disability Festivals, please email
fa.peoplescup@tmgsupport.co.uk for more information.
Up to 27 disability festivals will take place nationally and you can register your interest on this email address to attend an event.
If you are part of a team or an individual and want to get involved in The FA People’s Cup, register your interest by visiting www.bbc.co.uk/getinspired.
