To mark the club's progress to the Fifth Round, The FA is bringing The FA Cup to the town on Tuesday 10th February.

At 2pm, The FA Cup visits Highwoods Community Primary School. The school were nominated by the Essex FA for their commitment to raising standards of football provision, recently achieving The FA’s Charter Standard for Schools.

The Cup will be taken into the school by Colchester United’s Jamie Cade, who will take part in an interactive lesson based on The FA’s ‘Up for the Cup’ education initiative, backed by England Head Coach, Sven-Goran Eriksson.

Said Sven: "I think children will be excited by this activity pack – and their teachers will love it even more because it can make their job easier.

"I know from my own experience as a football coach that the learning and development of new skills is always easier when you make it fun. It’s true with football, and I know it applies academically in the classroom as well".

‘Up for the Cup’ is a teaching package, which harnesses the excitement, tradition and global appeal of The FA Cup. It aims to help children aged between 7-11 to fulfil their potential across the curriculum – from numeracy and literacy to geography, history, citizenship, and art and design technology.

Sarah Donnolly, PE Coordinator at Highwoods School, said: "The FA Cup is the most famous football competition in the world, with its own rich history and tradition.

"This project will immediately grab the attention of anyone who already has an interest in football. But for schools the beauty of this resource is that you don’t have to be an ardent football fan to enjoy it and benefit from it."

After children from the school have their photos taken with The FA Cup (as well as parents and teachers!), The FA Cup travels to Layer Road, where fans of Colchester United can come and have their photos taken with The FA Cup from 6pm.

Matt Hudson, Media Manager at Colchester United, said: "The club and the town have been buzzing in the past month as the club has continued to make a name for itself in this competition.

"The lads have been working hard to progress as far as they can in The FA Cup, so it’s brilliant that they can see it close up this week. Best of all, the fans who have followed us loyally through the tournament to date will also have their chance for a moment of glory".

Fans of Colchester United will also get the opportunity to enhance the magic of this year’s FA Cup by giving local clubs and schools the chance to net thousands of pounds’ worth of football kit and equipment.

The FA, in partnership with UMBRO and TheFA.com, this season launched the ‘Player of the Round’ award scheme, giving fans the chance to back their boys on and off the pitch.

A shortlist of three nominees – which could include a ‘hero’ from Colchester United - will be selected after the Fifth Round, and fans can then vote on-line for the player they feel should win the prestigious award by visiting TheFA.com on Monday, 16th February.

The winner will be announced on Friday 20th February, and one lucky voter will win two tickets for the Quarter Final of their choice, courtesy of TheFA.com.

The winning player of the round will also receive £1500 worth of UMBRO football kit and equipment for the school, club or organisation of his choice – so fans will want to make sure their favourites clock up plenty of votes!