Village football club reaches FA Cup for first time

The fifth-tier non-league football club was formed in 1978 in Worcestershire

Sporting Club Inkberrow manager Neil Guy has said the club's achievement in reaching the FA Cup for the first ever in the club's history is a special moment.

The fifth-tier non-league side from Worcestershire was formed in 1978 and will kick off its first FA Cup match against Dudley Town on Saturday.

Mr Guy recalled playing for the team on village playing field, and said seeing its progress had been tremendous.

"It's a magical cup that's enjoyed around the world, for us to be able to play a small part in that magic is special for us and we're gonna make sure that we enjoy the day," he said.

Player Tom Emblem said it felt like a dream come true for many members of the team, who grew up watching the village team go from strength to strength.

He said: "Most of us all grew up on the same street as well, so there's definitely a different togetherness.

"I never thought I would play in the FA Cup when I was younger so that's quite a milestone, it's gonna be fun to play in the FA Cup and to be able to say that when I'm older is quiet cool," he continued.

The women's team have already made their FA Cup debut and this latest chapter in the club's story will fulfil a lifetime ambition for players who grew up wishing to play in the competition.

Olly Smith said it would be "a massive achievement for me and even more of an achievement that we just got there."

"For a large majority of the team it's the first time anyone has played in the FA Cup so everyone's really excited," he said.

The Worcestershire side would have to win 13 ties to make it to the final at Wembley.