Amateur side set for historic FA Cup return after 114 years

Founded in 1888, Seaford Town's return to the FA Cup comes after an astonishing 114-year absence — a new record for the longest gap between appearances. This eclipses the previous milestone held by Beverley Town, who re-entered the competition last season after 105 years away.

Back in 1911, Seaford FC bowed out in the preliminary round following a 3-0 defeat to Vernon Athletic. Now, more than a century later, the Badgers are preparing to take on Sutton Athletic, a familiar rival from their league, in this season's preliminary round.

Despite their amateur status in the Southern Combination League Premier Division, the club's spirit is as strong as ever. Their players are volunteers who balance football with everyday lives, yet this weekend they'll be stepping onto the pitch in one of the most celebrated cup competitions in world football.

Seaford's home ground, The Crouch, holds around 1,000 fans and is uniquely nestled within Crouch Gardens — a public park right in the heart of the town. The stadium, owned by the local council, blends seamlessly into the parkland, offering a charming backdrop to the historic occasion.

As the Badgers prepare for their tie at Bramber Lane, supporters and neutrals alike are eager to witness the magic of the FA Cup once more — a reminder of the competition’s enduring ability to inspire dreams from grassroots to glory.