GENERATION CUP GETS SET FOR SECOND SHOWING

THE GENERATION Cup is returning after the inaugural competition was a booming success.

The brainchild of Jon Hunter to celebrate the 150th year of the FA Cup, a selection of the world famous competition’s clubs came together to mark the anniversary.

Dubbed The Generation Cup, the competition aims to celebrate the inclusiveness where club legends of yesteryear can share the same pitch with players of today.

Crystal Palace, managed by Mark Bright, lifted the trophy at St George’s Park in March, with Jobi McAnuff scoring the winner.

Hitchin Town, Maidenhead United, Civil Service, Royal Engineers,

Clapham Rovers, The Wanderers, Reigate Priory and Upton Park all took part.

While this year’s competition will still celebrate the history of the FA Cup, it is inviting clubs from the next decade from 1873-1883 to enter too. So far, 16 clubs have signed up including Old Etonians, Old Carthusians, Darwen and Bolton Wanderers.

Once again the finals will be played at St George’s Park, with the qualifiers held in January. And Hunter is keen for other clubs to join. He said: “It brings together the halcyon days of the beginnings of football. It’s the “English Game”, a la Netflix, but real this time.”