In April, Gossoms End of the Berkhamstead Sunday League beat Albion Sports, from the Bradford Sunday League, 3-2 in a thrilling Final played at Anfield, the home of European Champions Liverpool.

Recently, a change in the entry criteria means that The FA Sunday Cup is now open to clubs in the higher divisions of their Sunday League.

Jamie Carragher, recent Champions League Winner with Liverpool, made the draw for last season’s Semi-Finals at Anfield, where The Final has been played for the past three seasons.

As a member of Liverpool's FA Youth Cup winning team of 1996, Jamie rose meteorically through the Anfield ranks to become a vital member of the Reds first team, so is familiar with what it is like to run out onto the pitch where legends have played.

“The FA Sunday Cup is a very competitive competition and all the teams that enter are serious about winning," he said, "it’s the one that every Sunday League side wants to win.”

Joe Gibiliru Snr, player-manager of twice winners Nicosia (1991/2004), of the Liverpool Business House League, is equally enthusiastic about The FA Sunday Cup.

“I would definitely encourage clubs to enter the competition," he said.

“I have played in The FA Cup, The FA Trophy and The FA Vase and I enjoy being in The FA Sunday Cup just as much.”

Phil Casserley, manager of current champions Gossoms End, has fond memories of The Cup. “The FA Sunday Cup is a very special competition. It gives Sunday sides from all over the country the chance to win a big trophy and play at a top Premiership ground," he said. 

“Winning The FA Sunday Cup was a brilliant experience, and winning it at a ground like Anfield, made it all that more special.

“All the lads are already talking about next season’s competition, we’re really looking forward to defending the trophy the best we can.”

The winner of The FA Sunday Cup is awarded £1,000 in prize money by The FA.

Former Liverpool and England legend Phil Neal returned to Liverpool FC for last season’s Final as The FA’s chief guest.

“It’s always fantastic to get to a final of any status, but to get to a final and for it to be at a leading Premiership ground, such as Anfield is an incredible experience for these teams," said Neal.

“The FA Sunday Cup is a great competition. Win or lose - The Final is always a memorable experience for both the fans and the players.”

A total of 115 Sunday League clubs from all over England set out on the road to glory in October last year and The FA is hoping to build on the 21 new entries that the competition attracted last season.

The FA’s Director of Football Development, Sir Trevor Brooking has a keen interest in The FA Sunday Cup, having played Sunday League football after retiring from the professional game.

“I decided to play on for a while after retiring, as it was a good way to keep fit. We had some really good times – I enjoyed the dressing room atmosphere - all the camaraderie and the banter."

However, the England and West Ham legend admitted that his Sunday team, Havering Nalgo, who played out of the Brentwood League, were not good enough to compete in The FA Sunday Cup. 

 “We weren’t a bad side – we just weren’t good enough for The FA Sunday Cup," he said. 

"I would have loved to have played in the competition, but it just never happened!"

His role within The FA sees him serving the whole game, from the senior international team down to the school level.

“Make no mistake, the teams that take part in The FA Sunday Cup all play to win. The chance to play at a top Premiership ground, such as Anfield, and to hold that Cup aloft at the end of it, is something not to be missed.”

If you want your team to be a part of the biggest Sunday Cup competition in the country next season, you'll need to get your entries in by the closing date of 1 August 2005.

Clubs interested in entering can contact The FA's Competitions Officer Chris Darnell on 0207 745 4617 for more information.