Sturminster Newton United, a football club based in Dorset, received a visit from the FA Cup trophy ahead of their historic participation in the competition. The club faced Portland United on August 8 in an extra preliminary round match held at Portland’s Camp & Satherley Stadium. This fixture marked Sturminster Newton United’s first entry into the FA Cup since 1878, when the club competed under the name Sturminster Panthers FC.

The 148-year interval between their appearances represents the longest gap in the history of the competition. Having earned promotion to the Wessex Premier League at the conclusion of the previous season, the club’s return to the tournament is a significant milestone. Club chairman Lee Bright highlighted the excitement the event generated throughout the local community. He noted that the entire town had been enthusiastic about the trophy’s visit, with players spanning from youth teams to senior squads taking the opportunity to engage with the iconic silverware.

Bright described the occasion as "phenomenal," emphasizing the collective pride and sense of history among players, staff, and supporters. The celebration surrounding the FA Cup trophy underscored the club’s renewed presence on the national stage after more than a century away from the competition.