The FA People's Cup returns for new campaign across England

As The Emirates FA Cup fast approaches its Second Round Proper stage next month it’s also time for you - the fans - to get involved in this season’s FA People’s Cup.

The FA’s mass participation football tournament returns in January following its rip-roaring success in 2015 running alongside the oldest cup competition in the world.

And players and teams across the country can now register their place in the competition for FREE and get a shot at glory themselves.

The competition is run in partnership between The FA and BBC Get Inspired, with the country’s leading small-sided football providers serving as delivery partners. 

And Round One will take place over the weekend of 22-24 January, featuring a mammoth 2,000 hours of football played at more than 100 venues across the country.

More than 30,000 people competed in the inaugural competition last season, which culminated in the winners receiving their medals before The FA Cup Final at Wembley in May, after three fierce rounds of competition.

It is completely free to enter and welcomes male, female and disability participants ranging from under-14s through to veterans (over 35s). 

Once again, the competition features the increasingly popular walking football for over 50s which caters to those who enjoy playing the beautiful game at a slightly more sedate, but no less competitive, pace. 

The competition is open to both established teams and also individuals who will have the opportunity to form teams at special ‘squad building’ events ahead of the tournament. 

Winners from last season's FA People's Cup received their medals and trophies at Wembley

People of all abilities are invited to take part - from Sunday League regulars to players who haven’t laced up their boots in years.

FA Chairman Greg Dyke said: "As we discovered in the first year of The FA People’s Cup, the tournament contains all the ingredients that make cup competition so seductive – the thrills, the spills, near misses and the glory.  

"This year, we want to build on this and increase the number of individuals as well as teams that sign up to participate."

The format for the People’s Cup will mirror rounds of The Emirates FA Cup and as with the oldest cup competition in the world; the BBC will be following every step of the way - with cameras trained across venues around the country to capture action as it unfolds.

Teams that progress beyond round one will qualify for regional semi-finals on 27 and 28 February, with the Grand Finals to follow in mid-March.

All those interested in participating can register from today via the BBC website by clicking here.