KNOWLE chairman Stuart Lanyon insists the club’s return to the FA Vase marks ‘a major milestone’ for the club.
The Robins will play in the competition for the first time in 16 years following their promotion to Step Six last term.
Knowle will host Coventry Copsewood in FA Vase first round qualifying on Saturday, August 23 with kick-off at 3pm at the Draintech Community Stadium.
Knowle and Coventry both play in the Midland Football League Division One.Winning clubs will receive £550 while losing clubs will receive £160.
The club last played in the FA Vase in the 2009/10 season when they lost 2-0 to Gornal Athletic in the first qualifying round.
And Robins chairman Lanyon hopes the club’s return to the competition will highlight the positive work done at Knowle over the past few seasons.
Lanyon said: “The FA Vase is steeped in tradition and returning after 16 years marks a major milestone for Knowle FC.
“I’m incredibly proud of Clive, Matt, the playing squad, and everyone behind the scenes.
“This competition will shine a light on all the hard work done around the club, from youth development to community outreach.
“It’s a defining moment for us as we look to strengthen our standing at Step Six and beyond.”
Knowle joint manager, Clive Seeley added: “It’s enormously satisfying to see our efforts rewarded with a return to the FA Vase for the first time since 2009/10.
“The players have worked incredibly hard, and this draw gives us a fantastic opportunity to test ourselves on a bigger stage.”
Matt Seeley said: “Getting a Vase draw brings fresh energy and excitement across the whole club.
“We’ll prepare meticulously and go into the weekend of August 23rd fully focused on progressing through the first qualifying round.”
If Knowle progress to the next round, the Robins will host either Highgate United or Nuneaton Town in second round qualifying.
Winning clubs will receive £725 while losing clubs will receive £225.
The Robins’ best performance in the competition saw the club reach the fifth round in the 1981/82 campaign.
