On Saturday 11 November 1871, Clapham Rovers’ Jarvis Kenrick scored the first ever goal in The FA Challenge Cup against Upton Park FC.
150 years later, nine clubs that were involved in the inaugural edition of the world’s most historic knockout cup competition are participating in a special tournament to celebrate the anniversary.
The Generation Cup will involve Clapham Rovers themselves, as well as Upton Park, Maidenhead United, the Royal Engineers, Civil Service FC, Hitchin Town, Wanderers FC, Crystal Palace and Reigate Priory.
The competition’s format will see three groups of three teams take to the grass for 60-minute matches and the winners of each group will progress to the finals which will be played on the elite-level pitches at St. George’s Park on Sunday 13 March 2022.
Each club will enter a 24-player squad, with no more than five players under the age of 40 and three players over the age of 50 required to be on the pitch at all times.
The Generation Cup is ‘father and son’ football where present day players line-up alongside club legends of yesterday. Reigate Priory are hosting six of the nine teams’ games on Sunday 7 November 2021 and their chairman, Ray Connelly, will line-up alongside his son when the competition kicks off.
Speaking to us, Ray commented on how every participating club values the Generation Cup.
“All teams involved were part of The FA Challenge Cup’s first edition and it’s great for each of us to be able to celebrate our pasts," he said.
"Even after 150 years, there are teams who are prepared to persevere through bad times and still be around to offer football to their communities.
“It’s great for me to be able to help run this competition, but our people are really proud of being part of it, they are proud to be representing the club and that’s the best thing for me.
“Upton Park FC came up with the idea and all the teams participating are trying to give a flavour of what it was like to play at the time of the first FA Challenge Cup, with every team wanting to celebrate its history.
“I play for the vets and me and my son will be on the pitch together for the first time in the Generation Cup and that is what the Emirates FA Cup is about, everyone having a chance to play together.”
Reigate Priory’s manager, Gus, added: “We should all be proud to be taking part [in the Generation Cup] and we’ve only got to win a couple of games to have the chance to play Crystal Palace at St. George’s Park.
“It would be a dream come true for our players to play at St. George’s Park. Even four weeks ago they would have never dreamt of that being a possibility, or to play against players who were at a Premier League club. Just to be on the same pitch as the other teams is fantastic.”
The FA Challenge Cup in 1871-72 saw Reigate Priory drawn against eventual finalists Royal Engineers and the Sussex team competed in the competition for the next six seasons, as well as another three times during the 1920s. The club now play in the Mid-Sussex Football League, which is a level below qualifying for participation in the Emirates FA Cup.
But even after 150 years, the Emirates FA Cup still captures the hearts of the inaugural clubs.
“Because of the age I am, I’ve been watching the competition for more than half a century," said Ray.
"You remember the underdogs, it’s the underdogs that make the FA Cup what it is. To play the teams it would never otherwise be possible to play, and it’s always possible to beat any team and that’s what makes the competition so special. It’s important for the smaller teams that they can always aspire to get to Wembley.
“The thought of participating in the Emirates FA Cup is fantastic, it’s a dream for our players - It’s something to aspire to."
Reigate Priory will be awarded a plaque on Sunday 7 November 2021, celebrating their 150-year history. The club also believe they are the oldest team in the world to play continuously at the same ground since being formed.
Supporters are invited to watch the games at Reigate Priory’s Park Lane this Sunday and will not be charged for entry.
“We’re not charging anything for people to come and watch, nor are we charging players to play. People will be able to buy programmes, there will be food and drink and I’m sure a lot of merriment. We’re looking forward to all six games and may the best team win” added Ray.
