New Delhi: The FA Cup is one of the most prestigious and sought after trophies in England with the competition being the oldest cup competition in the history of football. The competition is open to all clubs from the top tier of English football down to the ninth level of English football, the lowest level of the English football league system. This allows even the smallest of the teams to participate in one of the most prestigious competitions.
With such a deep penetration, the tournament is bound to offer some historic and heart warming moments and we might get to witness one such moment later tonight as Premier League club Everton welcome EFL League one side Peterborough United. This is an especially important encounter for the Young family as Everton’s veteran right back, 39-year-old Ashley Young could potentially take on his son, 18-year-old midfielder Tyler Young, who plys his trade with Peterborough United.
Ashley Young could play against his own son, as Everton take on Peterborough United in the third round of the #EmiratesFACup 🤯 pic.twitter.com/6FfEzA0uCc
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) January 8, 2025
With a place in the fourth round of the most coveted cup tournament in the world, the game already had high stakes for both these sides but a chance for familial bragging rights adds a layer of intrigue to this encounter. For Ashley Young, who has enjoyed an illustrious career spanning over two decades, the prospect of sharing the pitch with his son is more meaningful than any trophy he has lifted.
“I’ve said for numerous years that if there was a possibility to play with or against my son, it would top everything I’ve done in my career,” Young admitted in an interview with Everton’s website. For Tyler, it will be a historic moment to play infront of a packed Goodison Park crowd, with this being the only time he’d be able to play in one of England’s iconic stadium as Everton move away from it after this season.
No Room for Sentiment on the Pitch
Instances of fathers and sons playing together or against each other in professional sports are rare. In football, examples include Brazilian legend Rivaldo sharing the pitch and even scoring alongside his son Rivaldinho in a 2015 match. Now, Ashley and Tyler Young could join this exclusive club, albeit as opponents. It will be a poetic moment for both, with one Young heading towards the end of his career with the other in the infancy of his own.
Tyler, who joined Peterborough United from MK Dons last year, has made just one senior appearance for the League One side, debuting in October. For the young midfielder, the game against Everton presents an opportunity to not only showcase his talents on a bigger stage but also create a memory of a lifetime by playing against his father. “It’s been a bumpy road to get here, but having him (Ashley) as a guide has been invaluable,” Tyler said, reflecting on his journey so far.
🗣 “I’m quite a special person to him!”
Ashley Young says playing against his son Tyler in Everton’s @EmiratesFACup tie v Peterborough would be the best moment of his career. 🥹 💙#FACup #BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/hstMhhZmIR
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) January 9, 2025
While the thought of father and son sharing the field evokes an emotional response, Ashley Young is clear about his mindset. “As soon as the whistle blows, he’s just another opponent, another enemy,” said the veteran defender. “We’ll both be looking to win the game.” Tyler shares the same competitive spirit, stating, “I wouldn’t even think about him being my dad. He’s just another opponent on the pitch who I can try to beat.”
The match promises to be a special occasion for both players, but there will be no split loyalties once the game begins. The elder Young will be focused on helping Everton progress in the FA Cup, while Tyler will aim to make his mark for Peterborough. Whoever comes out on top, one thing that’s for certain is that the FA Cup never fails to deliver with it’s surprises and moments and this adds to this competitions unparalleled legacy.
As the FA Cup third round action begins tonight, we’re all set for a potentially unique battle as Premier League club Everton welcome EFL League one side Peterborough United in a historic game for the Young family. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
