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February 24, 2014 became a historic day in Australian football as Football Federation Australia officially launched the FFA Cup.

FFA CEO David Gallop officially unveiled the new nationwide competition at Rockdale SC in Sydney’s south, accompanied on stage by former Socceroos and Hyundai A-League players Brett Emerton and Paul Reid, who both had experiences playing in the FA Cup in England.

“To have the possibility to win the trophy is massive for all of the players and hopefully we have the same feel here in Australia,” Emerton said.

“Some of my favourite memories were in the FA Cup competition.”

Reid, who was part of a Brighton & Hove Albion team that went down 2-1 to Tottenham courtesy of a Robbie Keane wonder goal at White Hart Lane back in , conveyed the excitement that a knockout competition that provides minnows with the chance to match it with the professional clubs.

“Now teams can think if they do well in the Waratah Cup in NSW or the Cup competitions in the other states, then you can obviously step forward and play in the FFA Cup against hopefully an A-League team,” Reid said.

As Hyundai A-League clubs and the clubs of Member Federations around the country prepare themselves for the inaugural edition of the FFA Cup, Gallop summed the vision behind the concept fittingly in his address.

“I hope you enjoy the dream and come on the journey with us.”

The first game of the FFA Cup will kick-off on July 29.

http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/news-display/video-cup-fever-in-australia-has-begun/86936