The draw for the second round of the National Christian Cup was announced on Monday, which highlighted the unique role football plays in helping churches across England and Wales reach communities with the Christian message.
Now in its thirty-third season, the competition allows players to combine their love of football with their faith, making it one of the longest-running national tournaments connecting sport and ministry.
Keith Hammond, director of Christians in Football, told Premier Christian News that the cup gives players an opportunity to “reach out and… share in its blessings”.
He explained that the tournament helps churches engage with footballers and their communities in ways that reflect Christian values.
Hammond, who has been involved in Christian football for more than 50 years, described the competition as a “wonderful ministry to be involved in” and added, “For many people who don't know Jesus, with the gospel message, it's a fantastic way of being involved in church”.
The competition allows teams to live out their faith on the pitch through fairness, respect, and sportsmanship.
“The finals have been played at Saint Albans City, Northampton Town, Macclesfield, Liverpool… and recently Hemel Hempstead Town,” Hammond added, emphasising the national reach and history of the cup.
He noted that Christian teams aim to set themselves apart by avoiding aggression, remonstrating with referees, and showing Christ’s example in every match.
The tournament has grown across the country, from Newcastle to Southampton and across Wales, giving players of all levels a chance to honour their faith while playing football. Hammond described it as “playing the game of our lives” while sharing the gospel with teammates, opponents, and spectators.
The next round of the National Christian Cup and Trophy is scheduled to take place on the 29th of November 2025.
The 2012 National Christian Cup Final at Blackburn Rovers FC (Christians In Football)
National Christian Cup 2025/2026 – Second Round
Matches to be played on 29 November 2025
Regional Section (South, West & Wales)
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Assembly of Nations (East London) v St Mary’s West Croydon (Surrey)
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Riverside Family (Southampton) v Mumbles Baptist (Swansea)
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Beacon Church Camberley (Surrey) – Bye
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Bethel Town Pontyclun (South Wales) – Bye
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Emmanuel Baptist (Cardiff) – Bye
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City Gates (Ilford) – Bye
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Kings Sports (Herts) – Bye
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Christchurch Bromley (Kent) v Inter Thurrock (Essex)
Regional Section (North & Midlands)
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Armley Christchurch (Leeds) – Bye
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City Church Athletic (Manchester) – Bye
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Gatley St James (Manchester) – Bye
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Jesmond Parish (Newcastle) – Bye
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St Charles (Newcastle) – Bye
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St Thomas More (Coventry) – Bye
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Sunderland Samba (Durham) – Bye
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Trent Vineyard (Nottingham) – Bye
National Christian Trophy 2025/2026 – Second Round
Matches to be played on 29 November 2025
Regional Section (South, East & West)
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Holy Rood Rickmansworth (Herts) – Bye
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Woodside Baptist (SE London) – Bye
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Raynes Park United (SW London) v Waypoint Church (Fareham, Hants)
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Cotswold Churches (Glos) v Coastline Vineyard (Bournemouth)
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Christchurch Bromley Supa 2s (Kent) v Apex Stars (Enfield, Middx)
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Newgen (Kent) v Danbury Mission (Essex)
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Winton Wanderers (Dorset) v Beeches Pilgrims (Cirencester, Glos)
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Chatsworth United (SE London) v Central Park (Chadwell Heath, Essex)
Regional Section (North & Midlands)
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Living Hope Church (Birmingham) – Bye
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Mansfield Legion (Notts) – Bye
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Newcastle Community – Bye
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Real Riverside (Birmingham) – Bye
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St Nicholas & Grace United (Nottingham) – Bye
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Trinity (Nottingham) – Bye