The draw for the Third Round Qualifying of the FA Youth Cup was made at FA HQ on Friday afternoon ahead of last night’s all-Important Second Round Qualifying clash against North Leigh who are partnered with Procision Reading.

 After last night’s 2-0 win thanks to Emil Mursalov pouncing on a defensive error and Lennon Moore smashed home on a counter attack we progress to the Third Round Qualifying.

We can now confirm our combined FA Youth Squad made up of representatives of our very own Under 18s and representatives of Club Partner John Madejski Academy’s Football Performance Programme will embark on a Great Western Adventure when they head to Gloucestershire to take on Forest Green Rovers in what will be a memorable tie for our youngsters as they face a pro club, it’s the magic of the FA Cup!

Forest Green Rovers currently compete in the National League but spent several years in the English Football League. Having beat Tranmere Rovers in the 2016/17 National League Play-Off Final they were promoted to the English Football League for the first time in their 128 year history and became the smallest club to have ever competed in the English Football League due to the population of Nailsworth where the club is situated being 5,800.

After five seasons in League Two, they earnt promotion to League One at the end of the 2021/22 Season having been crowned champions of League Two. However their stay in League One was short-lived and at the end of the 2022/23 Season they would be relegated back to League Two, the following season would see them relegated for a second time which meant they exited the English Football League at the end of the 2023/24 Season.

Our youngsters will experience what it’s like playing at a pro stadium as we head to The New Lawn Stadium.

The tie must be played week commencing Monday 14 October 2024, further details to follow so please keep an eye on our social media channels and/or website for further information.