Hartpury Women FC are looking to make history this weekend when they make their debut in the Women’s FA Cup against Cirencester Town in the preliminary round.
The club was launched at the start of last season as an extension of Hartpury’s University and College team, giving players the opportunity to play weekend football and compete within the women’s football pyramid alongside their studies.
After securing promotion in their first season, Hartpury now compete in Tier 6 and, for the first time, have the opportunity to experience the Women’s FA Cup.
For many of the squad, Sunday’s tie will be their first taste of the competition, with players balancing football alongside A-Levels and university degrees.
One of those players is Sports Therapy student Louise Hiett, who admits the opportunity to play in the same competition she watched growing up is something special.
“The FA Cup is such a big competition,” said Hiett. “I really remember watching on TV when Fran Kirby scored for Chelsea in the final and lifting the trophy at Wembley.
“To now get to play in that same competition is pretty cool and we’re all really excited and ready to get out there on the pitch.”
While the occasion will be a new experience for many of the players, Hiett knows that the team must approach the tie in the same way as any other game, despite the added pressure of a cup tie.
“We prepare for this like any other game, but we know it is a cup game and the fact that it’s win or get knocked out does add the pressure. Especially knowing it could go to extra time and penalties, so hopefully we can win in 90 minutes and get to play another round in this competition.”
Hartpury manager Leah Burridge, however, has plenty of experience of the competition herself, having played across the FA Cup across multiple seasons for Yeovil Town Ladies, Oxford United, Wolves, Bridgwater United and Exeter City.
One of her standout memories came in 2022, when she captained Bridgwater United against Manchester United.
“I have a lot of experience playing in this competition,” explained Burridge. “One of my best memories of the FA Cup was captaining my side, Bridgwater United, against Manchester United in 2022.
“It was an honour to lead the team out and play against one of the biggest women’s teams in the country. It’s what the FA Cup is all about, providing those matchups and exciting opportunities.
“I remember it being a sellout crowd; the environment, the fans, the support was fantastic. It was definitely a highlight in my career.”
Now experiencing the competition from the sidelines, Burridge believes her previous experience can help players but is keen for them to create their own FA Cup memories.
“It’s useful to have that FA Cup experience now as a manager, but I don’t necessarily want to pass too much information about my journey onto the players.
“This is not their journey for them to create their own memories and experiences. I can help influence and be relatable to the players, but I really want them to experience their own journey and achieve fantastic things which I’m sure they will.”
Hartpury Women FC face Cirencester Town this Sunday in the preliminary round of the Women’s FA Cup, with 142 other ties taking place across the weekend.
For a club only formed last season, it is another landmark moment – and an opportunity for a new generation of players to begin writing their own FA Cup stories.
