The Early Years of the FA Cup

The 2021-2022 season marked the 150th anniversary of the first FA Cup, the world’s oldest football knockout tournament. The inaugural matches began on 11 November 1871, with the final played at Kennington Oval on 16 March 1872, featuring the Royal Engineers. During the first decade, military teams played a pivotal role in the competition. Teams like the Royal Engineers, 1st Surrey Rifles, and 105th Regiment competed in 74 matches, winning over half and scoring 154 goals. Major Francis Marindin was instrumental as a player, referee, and administrator, shaping the FA Cup's legacy. Military figures achieved notable milestones in football history. The Royal Engineers reached the first FA Cup final. Lieutenant James Prinsep of the Essex Regiment was the youngest player to feature in a full match at the time, while Lieutenant William Maynard played in the first official international match for England. Captain William Kenyon-Slaney scored the first international goal for England, and Lieutenant Henry Renny-Tailyour scored Scotland’s first goal. The Early Years of the FA Cup explores the intersection of Victorian football and military history. It recounts FA Cup matches involving military players, their contributions to infrastructure and mapping, and their roles in conflicts such as the Zulu War, Afghanistan, and the Western Front, many sacrificing their lives.

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