The FA and BBC Sport have joined forces to launch the FA People’s Cup, a new knockout competition which 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 on FA Cup Final day in May.
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 competition begins on the weekend of February 21/22 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).
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.
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
The competition will take place over three rounds and ffter the First Round weekend there will be with eight regional venues hosting the semi-finals between April 24-26.
The finals will take place on Bank Holiday Monday, May 25, in Manchester, and members of the winning teams will be given a VIP trip to the FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, May 30, where the winners will lift their FA People’s Cup trophy.
The BBC will be following the competition every step of the way and entrants should not be surprised if they spot a few celebrity teams lining up in opposition.
BBC cameras will be visiting different venues throughout to capture the action, with highlights of the FA People’s Cup finals to be made available to watch via the BBC Get Inspired website.
The competition will also feature during the BBC’s extensive coverage of the FA Cup, which the corporation regained the rights to this season after a six-year absence.
Commenting on the partnership with the BBC for the People’s Cup, FA chairman Greg Dyke gave his backing 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,” said Dyke.
“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.”
From Sunday League regulars to folk who have only kicked a ball in their back yard, the FA Cup People’s Cup is set to offer everyone the opportunity to follow in the path of legends on the road to Cup glory.
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 bbc.co.uk/getinspired.
Click here to read the full Terms and Conditions of entry.
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