Harry Robinson Cup 2021
Kempston Rovers are delighted to announce, in conjunction with our good friends AFC Rushden & Diamonds, Cambridge City and Eynesbury Rovers, The Harry Robinson Cup 2021.
All being well, following the government announcement of the roadmap out of lockdown, football clubs are beginning to prepare for the 2021-22 season and Kempston Rovers are thrilled to once again have the honour of competing for the Harry Robinson Cup.
Harry Robinson was born in Kempston where he attended the local school. When Harry left school, he went to work as an apprentice at WH Allen’s Bedford.
When war broke out, he went to serve in the Royal Navy. After the war, Harry showed an interest in Kempston Rovers serving on the committee and going on to be the club’s secretary for the next 26 years. During this period Harry and his wife Marjorie washed both first and second team kits, ensuring that they were ready for the next game. Harry went on to become president of Kempston Rovers FC for many years. He is credited by the original historian of the club as the man who saved the club’s existence in the post war period.
Harry donated a cup to the club, asking that it was played for each year. He was fortunate enough to be able to attend the first three games to see his cup played for and to present the cup to the winners. Sadly, Harry passed away in 1996 suffering from Multiple Sclerosis.
Previously, the cup has been competed for between Kempston Rovers and an invited opponent in a one off game.
The 2021 incarnation of the tournament is to be bigger and better than ever before.
The four participating clubs will take part in a round-robin-style group stage between the third and tenth of July, with games being hosted at Kempston, Rushden and Eynesbury, then a finals day at Kempston on the seventeenth of July to determine final placings. All profits from the final day will be split equally between the four clubs to help off-set some of the income lost during the pandemic.
All four clubs involved invite you to enjoy this festival of football to kick start the new season.
The tournament dates and spectator arrangements are obviously subject to change.
3rd July
Kempston Rovers vs Cambridge City
Eynesbury Rovers vs AFC Rushden & Diamonds
6th July
Kempston Rovers vs AFC Rushden & Diamonds
Eynesbury Rovers vs Cambridge City
10th July
Kempston Rovers vs Eynesbury Rovers
AFC Rushden & Diamonds vs Cambridge City
17th July
Grand Finals day at Kempston Rovers FC
Kick off times and ticket arrangements tbc
