The Adobe Women’s FA Cup returns and three Cumbrian clubs are ready to take their first steps on the road to Wembley.

Carlisle United Women, GT7 Academy Ladies and Whitehaven AFC Ladies will fly the flag for the county in Sunday, August 7, Preliminary Round, with all three sides eager to make an early statement.

For Carlisle, GT7 and Whitehaven, the FA Cup represents more than just a competition.

It’s a chance to showcase the strength of women’s football in Cumbria, inspire younger players, and raise the profile of the game in a region still growing its footballing pathways.

Victory on Sunday would carry two of them into the First Round Qualifying (September 7), keeping the dream alive of a cup run that could bring glamour ties against higher-league opposition later in the season.

Carlisle United Women vs GT7 Academy Ladies

Carlisle United begin their campaign with a home tie against Kendal side GT7 Academy at Creighton Rugby Ground.

United have been going through a rebuild after relegation from the North West Women’s Regional League.

A consolidation season followed in the Lancashire Women’s League 2024/2025 season and a successful 9-a-side Andrea Buggy Women’s campaign which ended with silverware has set the side on a positive trajectory.

Kendal based GT7 Academy have been a mainstay in the Premier Division of the Lancashire Women’s League with the 24/25 season ending with the final of the Westmorland FA cup.

Whitehaven AFC Ladies vs West Allotment Celtic

On the west coast, Whitehaven welcome West Allotment Celtic in what promises to be a tight contest.

Whitehaven have been steadily building momentum, often leaning on a mix of physical play and resilience at the back.

Travel could play its part — the long trip from the North East may leave the visitors vulnerable, though Celtic arrive with plenty of experience.