The 2025–26 Emirates FA Cup begins this weekend with the Extra Preliminary Round, involving 223 fixtures across the country.
A total of 446 clubs from steps 5 and 6 of the National League System will take part at this stage, with the competition offering clubs from the grassroots level a place in the national calendar.
Several members of Bootle Referees Association have been appointed to officiate in these opening ties. This includes both referees and assistant referees, who will be part of the team of officials for matches taking place over the weekend.
These appointments reflect continued involvement of Bootle RA officials across a range of competitions, and the FA Cup remains a regular part of the calendar for many of our members.
We’ll continue to track local appointments across each round and share updates where possible. Best wishes to all involved this weekend.