The traditional FA Cup Final hymn Abide with Me will be led by representatives from thirteen clubs across the football pyramid on Saturday 19 May. A number of clubs were invited following their exploits in contributing to a memorable season in The Emirates FA Cup.
In addition to Coventry City, the clubs who accepted the invitation to take part are; AC London, Bath City, Chelsea, Fleetwood Town, Framlingham Town, Hereford, Litherland REMYCA, Manchester United, Newport County, Notts County, Truro City and Wigan Athletic.
Sporting their club colours, the individuals nominated by their clubs will form the ’For All’ choir and take centre stage on the pitch before kick-off alongside four vocalists from the RAF.
Members of the ’For All’ choir include:
- Neil Stratton, Lifelong fan of Coventry City
A supporter of Coventry City since the mid-1980s, Neil won the chance to be a representative in the ‘For All’ choir having entered a raffle run by the club. Due to the nature of his work, next season will be his first as a season ticket holder and he is excited to attend games with his 12 year old son.
- Prince Choudary, Founder, Manager and Chairman of AC London
Founder, Manager and Chairman of AC London, Prince formed the club in 2011 after the London riots when he was only 16 years old. He is one of the youngest Managers and Chairman in the history of The Emirates FA Cup as he guided AC London into the Preliminary Rounds this season for the first time in their history.
- Sean Edwards, Lifelong fan of Newport County and local poet
This season, Sean penned ‘A Cup Run For All’, a poem celebrating Newport County’s run in the cup, which saw them earn a famous draw with Tottenham Hotspur in the Fourth Round at Rodney Parade. Sean has been a Newport County fan since the late 1970s.
- Andrew Boucher, Volunteer and lifelong fan of Hereford
Andrew is a lifelong supporter of Hereford and was involved in the production and re-release of a song to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the club’s famous cup run in 1972.
Andy Ambler, The FA’s Head of Professional Game Relations: “The singing of ‘Abide with Me’ remains one of the iconic moments on Cup Final day and we wanted to use this moment to recognise clubs across the football pyramid who have made it such a special season in The Emirates FA Cup. We are grateful to the clubs who selected such deserving representatives and wish them a very special day.”