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FA Vase is coming to Harwich
Andrew Schooler15 Mar - 13:38
Famous trophy to visit the Royal Oak on March 28 as part of the Essex Senior League's 'groundhop'.
First it was the FA Cup; now the FA Vase is coming to the Royal Oak!
As part of this year’s Non-League Day celebrations, the Vase will be appearing at Harwich and Parkeston FC on Saturday March 28 when fans will be able to have their photo taken with the trophy - just as they did when the FA Cup visited in July.
That day, Matt Carmichael’s side will play host to near neighbours Little Oakley.
Kick-off is at noon so that the match can form part of the Essex Senior League’s ‘groundhop’.
The league has organised a minibus for fans wanting to watch multiple games. It will leave the Oak straight after the final whistle and head for Halstead Town, whose match with Saffron Walden kicks off at 3pm.
After that game, the groundhop will then conclude at Hullbridge Sports, who entertain Benfleet at 7.45pm. The Vase will also be at both of those matches.
With local fans also set to pack the Oak, especially with Oakley currently involved in the title race, a big crowd is expected on the day. There is a possibility that a new record attendance for a competitive HPFC game this century could be set. That figure currently stands at 643, also for a derby with Little Oakley in 2019.
Fans interested in being part of the groundhop can purchase their ‘boarding pass’ from the league. Costing £30, it will give its holder entry to four ESL games across the weekend (there are also two taking place on the Friday night, plus others not mentioned above on the Saturday).
A seat on the minibus, which will begin its journey to Harwich at 8.30am from Harlow Town railway station, can also be booked via the league – contact them via email at secretary@essexseniorleague.co.uk or visit the ESL website. Price is £5 return – for anyone staying in Harwich, it will return after the Hullbridge match if required.
This year’s Non-League Day will be the 15th since it began in 2010. It aims to promote the importance of affordable, volunteer-led, community football and always takes place during an international break so that fans who normally attend Premier League or Championship matches can instead head to their local non-league club.
It works in conjunction with its charity partner, Prostate Cancer UK.
A special Non-League Day programme has been produced by the ESL and will be on sale at the game, priced £1. This is in addition to the club’s regular printed programme.
All money raised by the sale of the former – plus the charity’s pin badges - will be donated to Prostate Cancer UK.
ESL clubs helped raised more than £7,500 for the charity on Non-League Day in 2025.
As part of this year’s Non-League Day celebrations, the Vase will be appearing at Harwich and Parkeston FC on Saturday March 28 when fans will be able to have their photo taken with the trophy - just as they did when the FA Cup visited in July.
That day, Matt Carmichael’s side will play host to near neighbours Little Oakley.
Kick-off is at noon so that the match can form part of the Essex Senior League’s ‘groundhop’.
The league has organised a minibus for fans wanting to watch multiple games. It will leave the Oak straight after the final whistle and head for Halstead Town, whose match with Saffron Walden kicks off at 3pm.
After that game, the groundhop will then conclude at Hullbridge Sports, who entertain Benfleet at 7.45pm. The Vase will also be at both of those matches.
With local fans also set to pack the Oak, especially with Oakley currently involved in the title race, a big crowd is expected on the day. There is a possibility that a new record attendance for a competitive HPFC game this century could be set. That figure currently stands at 643, also for a derby with Little Oakley in 2019.
Fans interested in being part of the groundhop can purchase their ‘boarding pass’ from the league. Costing £30, it will give its holder entry to four ESL games across the weekend (there are also two taking place on the Friday night, plus others not mentioned above on the Saturday).
A seat on the minibus, which will begin its journey to Harwich at 8.30am from Harlow Town railway station, can also be booked via the league – contact them via email at secretary@essexseniorleague.co.uk or visit the ESL website. Price is £5 return – for anyone staying in Harwich, it will return after the Hullbridge match if required.
This year’s Non-League Day will be the 15th since it began in 2010. It aims to promote the importance of affordable, volunteer-led, community football and always takes place during an international break so that fans who normally attend Premier League or Championship matches can instead head to their local non-league club.
It works in conjunction with its charity partner, Prostate Cancer UK.
A special Non-League Day programme has been produced by the ESL and will be on sale at the game, priced £1. This is in addition to the club’s regular printed programme.
All money raised by the sale of the former – plus the charity’s pin badges - will be donated to Prostate Cancer UK.
ESL clubs helped raised more than £7,500 for the charity on Non-League Day in 2025.
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