Liverpool clubs Aigburth Arms FC and Pineapple FC have reached the semi-finals of the FA Sunday Cup, a national competition celebrating amateur football up and down the country.

The results have raised the attention of non-league fans across the nation, and the success of the two Liverpool-based clubs is huge for the local scene. Pineapple FC beat fellow Merseyside Club AFC Bull on penalties to claim their place in the final four. Aigburth Arms FC came out as 4-1 winners over North-East side Southwick FC, much to the delight of club spokesman Arran Moore.

Moore runs social media at Aigburth Arms FC and was delighted with the victory and the progress the club are making: “Being in the semi-finals of the FA Sunday Cup is an achievement in itself, and full credit to the lads for the performance on the weekend, it can only benefit us as a team.”

L8 based Pineapple FC’s all Merseyside clash against AFC Bull went to penalties and was played in front of a good crowd at Bootle FC. The two clubs are members of the Liverpool Business Houses Football League, one of the most prestigious Sunday league divisions in the Merseyside area.

Aigburth Arms FC also play in the Business Houses league and their comprehensive victory was played in front of a strong crowd at Jericho Lane. Despite their opponents being based in Sunderland, it wasn’t stopping both teams from enjoying the social occasion.

Keeping within the spirits of the game, members of both sides were pictured drinking and socialising together at the Aigburth Arms. This typifies the nature of this competition, and the camaraderie that comes with Sunday league football.

Social elements of Sunday league are huge, especially for teams the size of Aigburth Arms FC, as Moore was keen to emphasise: “The beauty of Sunday League is you form a friendship with many people on and off the pitch, as well as having a pint after the game to socialise and reflect on performances.”

Moore appreciates the successes on the pitch, but also thinks the players are reaping the benefits in more than one way: “Especially in this day and age, it’s a very good release for a lot of people. Being this far in the competition can only bring positivity to everyone involved in the club.”

The FA Sunday Cup is a knock-out competition which dates back to 1964, for English Sunday league football teams. 88 clubs were entered into the competition for the 22/23 season and the clubs from Liverpool are pushing hard to claim the title.

The semi-final draw for the next round will be made soon, and there is a chance of an all-Merseyside semi final against Pineapple FC. The other two teams to reach the semi finals of the competition are St Joes Sunday and SE Dons. The clubs are based in Luton and South East London respectively. The latter are a well renowned YouTube sensation, attracting lots of fans and supporters with their presence on social media. A home tie for either Pineapple FC or Aigburth Arms FC against The SE Dons would most definitely attract a decent crowd, of both young and older generations.

Current holders of the FA Sunday Cup are Baiteze Squad, the club who claim to be the Greatest Sunday League team within their Twitter bio. For one of the Merseyside clubs to go the distance and reclaim the title, it would be huge testament to the Sunday League scene in Liverpool.

 

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