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 Newport County, the clubs who accepted the invitation to take part are; AC London, Bath City, Chelsea, Coventry City, Fleetwood Town, Framlingham Town, Hereford, Litherland REMYCA, Manchester United, Notts County, Truro City and Wigan Athletic.
Sporting their club colours, the individuals from the clubs will form the ’For All’ choir and take centre stage on the pitch before kick-off alongside four vocalists from the RAF.
Newport County AFC will be represented by Sean Edwards who jumped to FA Cup fame when he wrote a poem entitled "A Cup Run For All" ahead of Newport County AFC's clash with Premier League giants Tottenham Hotspur. The FA filmed the poem with lines read by County players, backroom staff and manager as well as local Newportonians and one of South Wales' most famous sons, Michael Sheen.
Sean has been a County fan since the 1970s and will be representing County in the choir. Make sure you look out for his Amber Shirt alongside the other 13 Supporters in the choir ahead of the FA Cup Final between Chelsea and Manchester United.
Andy Ambler, The FA’s Head of Professional Game Relations said: “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.”
This is not the only time Newport County AFC will be celebrated on FA Cup Final Day, as the BBC's Road to Wembley programme took a detour to South Wales to speak to Newport County AFC supporters Susan Herrin, Rebecca Hall, Bob Herrin and Jeff Chalingsworth. Look out for that ahead of the Final.
Good Luck Sean!
