Somerset Premier Cup renamed in honour of former president

The Somerset Premier Cup has a new name. The competition that is contested by men’s teams at Step 6 and above in the National League System will now bear the name of the former president of Somerset FA, Francis Hillier. Members at the recent Annual general Meeting voted unanimously to rename the competition the Francis Hillier Premier Cup in memory of his over half century of service to Somerset FA. Francis who passed away on November 2023 had served on the Council of Somerset FA since 1971 and since 1997 had been president of the association, a role he held until the end of his life. As well as being one of the original directors of the association after incorporation of Somerset FA in 1999, he also served in numerous other roles not least as chair of the Benevolent subcommittee and a chair of disciplinary panels. He also attended hundreds of games across the years including County Cup ties and especially the Premier Cup, a competition of which he was particularly fond and will now bear his name.

The draw for the first round of the Francis Hillier Cup for season 2025-2026, will take place this week when 27 teams will go into the hat for round 1, including the holders Weston-super-Mare who beat Frome Town in April along with Ilminster Town who will make their debut in the competition this season after being promoted to step 6 last year. The numbers of all the entrants will be published on social media shortly.

The teams will be aiming to reach to make it to next years final, where Bath City will host the first Francis Hillier Cup final on 15th April 2026.