The Emirates FA Cup’s famous trophy paid a visit to Harborough Town FC in the lead up to the club’s momentous debut in the First Round Proper this weekend.
Harborough Town FC was formed in 2007 when Harborough Spencers, Harborough Juniors and Harborough Minis merged. The club now has teams across all ages, genders and abilities, and the senior team has achieved various successes in recent years.
The Bees won the Play Off for the Northern Premier League Midlands Division during the 2023-24 season, and they are currently making their bow at Step 3 of the National League System in the Southern League Premier Central.
The senior team also reached the Second Round Qualifying of the Emirates FA Cup during both of the past two seasons, which was the furthest the club had been before, but they have made history three times during the current campaign by making it to the First Round Proper.
Harborough have already managed to overcome Darlaston Town, Stourbridge, Leamington and Bury in the cup this season, and they now face Tonbridge Angels – who play one level above in the National League South – away at 15:00 on Saturday for a place in the Second Round Proper.
The run has increased excitement already around the club, with planning permission granted by the local council recently for improved facilities including a new stand, and volunteers, officials, players, and fans in their hundreds were at the Harborough Town Community Ground earlier this week to catch a glimpse of the iconic silverware.
Pete Dougan, Harborough Town’s chairman, said: “The Emirates FA Cup comes with prize money, and every single penny is needed at the grassroots football club that we are. We’re a band of volunteers where almost every person does if for free, and it’s going to help the football club from under-fives all the way through to the first team. It will develop our emerging talent and youth teams who want to progress and play in the first team, and to be in the same lucky position as the lads are on Saturday.”
Harborough Town’s manager, Mitch Austin, added: “Everyone is really excited for Saturday’s fixture, and wants to be in the starting 11 for this great occasion. We’ve got to have a belief that we can do even better. Getting into the First Round Proper has led to the hype around this moment, so we have to imagine what it will be like in the next round. We’ve got an opportunity, and the boys will give everything on Saturday.”
You can find a tie in your local area by using our Emirates FA Cup Fixture Finder Map here.
