FA Cup and TV debut for village club Knowle FC

A village club is making its FA Cup and TV debut, with more than 1,000 tickets sold.

West Midlands team Knowle FC is playing in the cup's first round qualifying for the first time in its 100-year history. The tie, against Worcester City on Saturday, will be streamed on BBC iPlayer.

The most tickets previously sold at the Robins Nest ground was 150, manager Clive Seeley said. "In terms of publicity and money, it's club changing. There is a lot of excitement around the village and we can't wait," he said.

Knowle, a village of up to 11,000 residents, is near Solilhull. Founded in 1926, the men's team currently play in the United Counties League Premier League South.

The team, which includes plumbers, teachers and football coaches, have all made themselves available to play.

"We've got a full squad to choose from," said Seeley. "Nobody going to miss this, are they?"

Club president Dave Sykes said the day would be "a dream come true".

He said: "I'm over the moon - 38 years I've been there. I've been manager, kids manager and now president and this happens.

"Our managers are just fantastic and the chairman is the perfect person to do this job. It's just a wonderful experience."

He added that excitement had been building throughout the area, with people asking him for tickets.

"Everybody knows about it, everyone from the British Legion is going to be there watching the game."

One fan who tried without success to get a ticket to watch the Robins is Rob Hollingsworth, who will be watching via the live stream at home instead.

He said: "My dad used to play for them in the 1960s - Bob Hollingsworth.

"I am very excited for them. I tried to get tickets but there's none left."

Another person who has been describing enthusiastic locals in the village is Kim Hulse, founder of Visit Knowle.

"Really excited," she said. "I have so many friends whose daughters and sons play at the club. It's just part of the village so we are all really excited.

"I think it's going to be really good. Everyone's looking forward to it, lots of football fans in the village."

She added: "I think there will be some bewildered faces wondering why it's so busy in Knowle tomorrow!"

The fixture between the non-league sides will kick off at 12:30 BST on Saturday and will be broadcast across BBC iPlayer, Red Button, BBC Football's YouTube channel and the BBC Sport website.

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