The FA Sunday Cup has attracted 17 more entries this season. A total of 132 clubs from around the country will be hoping for glory as The FA Sunday Cup enters into its 42nd season

A total of 31 counties are represented in this season’s competition. Liverpool FA is the most strongly represented County FA with 23 clubs, followed by West Riding FA with 13 and Bedfordshire FA with 12.

Six County FA’s – Westmorland, Sussex, Cambridgeshire, Leicestershire, Manchester and Staffordshire – are newly represented in The FA Sunday Cup this season.

A total of 61 different Sunday Leagues are represented, 10 more than last season.

Due to the large increase of teams entering this season’s competition, The FA have been forced to create an extra round.

The Preliminary Round consists of 6 fixtures and will be played on Sunday September 18 ahead of the First Round of the competition which is to be played on Sunday 2 October.

Alex Stone, spokesman for The FA said, “The FA Sunday Cup has gone from strength to strength and this season is no exception, with many more clubs entering as well as new County FAs and Sunday Leagues being represented.

“It’s an exciting time for the competition, all of the 132 clubs will have their sights set on a thrilling cup run and the dream chance to reach the final at one of the country’s leading football grounds."

Phil Casserley, manager of current champions, Gossoms End of the Berkhamsted Sunday League, said: “Everyone is really looking forward to this season’s competition and defending the trophy and can’t wait for the second round when we enter.

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

This is the fourth season that Carlsberg has been The FA’s presenting partner for The FA Sunday Cup, which forms an integral part of their support of football in this country.