As the FA Cup continues to captivate football fans across the globe, one player’s remarkable journey has come full circle. Curtis Weston, who made history as the youngest player to appear in an FA Cup final at just 17 years and 119 days, is still going strong at 37. Now playing for non-league side Mickleover in the seventh tier Northern Premier League Premier Division, Weston’s passion for the beautiful game remains unwavering.
It all began in 2004 when Weston, a Manchester United fan, was part of the Millwall team that faced off against his beloved Red Devils in the FA Cup final. “At the time, I didn’t understand how big an occasion it was,” says Weston, reflecting on that momentous day. “Looking back now, it was a massive moment in my life, even though it only lasted a few minutes.”
Fast forward 20 years, and Weston is preparing to take on Anstey Nomads in the second qualifying round of the FA Cup on Saturday. The midfielder, who has made over 300 Football League appearances, still derives immense joy from participating in the competition. “The second qualifying round is a long, long way from the final,” Weston admits, “but playing in the FA Cup still brings me an awful lot of pleasure.”
A RECORD BREAKER AT 17
Curtis Weston’s FA Cup debut was nothing short of extraordinary. Coming on as a substitute for player-manager Dennis Wise in the 89th minute, Weston became the youngest player to feature in an FA Cup final. Millwall may have ultimately lost 3-0 to Manchester United, but for Weston, it was an experience he would never forget.
As a London-born Manchester United fan, Weston’s journey to the FA Cup final was nothing short of remarkable. Having joined Millwall at 14, Weston had yet to make his senior debut when the team booked their first FA Cup final appearance by defeating Sunderland 1-0 in the semi-final at Old Trafford.
Thirteen days before the final, Weston came on as a second-half substitute in the final league match of the season, a 1-0 home win over Bradford City. He remembers the elation he felt upon discovering he had made the FA Cup final squad and would be traveling to the showpiece with the likes of Tim Cahill, Neil Harris, and Wise.
Weston’s Rise to Prominence
Weston spent two years at Millwall before following Wise to Swindon Town and then Leeds United. In 2009, he won promotion with Gillingham at Wembley in the League Two play-off final. More recently, Weston captained Chesterfield against Chelsea in the FA Cup at Stamford Bridge.
These achievements have not only showcased Weston’s talent but also his dedication to the sport. As he prepares to celebrate his 38th birthday in January, Weston has no thoughts of retirement. “I didn’t always do everything I was supposed to do in terms of giving myself the best possible chance of playing at the highest level,” he admits.
A New Chapter in Non-League Football
It was only in the summer of 2023 that Weston dropped into part-time football when he signed for Buxton before joining Mickleover in July. Combining playing with a full-time job in audit recruitment, Weston’s love for the game remains unwavering.
“Every year I have a chat with Hannah [about whether to carry on playing]. I always say ‘this could be my last season’ and she just rolls her eyes,” Weston laughs.
Weston’s Longevity and Discipline
Weston attributes his longevity in the sport to a combination of discipline and lifestyle changes. Around 12 years ago, he changed his nutrition and made significant lifestyle adjustments to prolong his career. “Had I carried on doing what I was doing, I probably would have been forced to retire years ago,” adds Weston.
“If you give yourself a chance in terms of eating the right things, staying fit, and being disciplined, not going out as much… I do the right things now,” he continues. “Those changes have enabled me to play this long and feel this good.”
Playing for the Love of the Game
For Weston, the FA Cup represents more than just a competition – it’s an opportunity to relive old memories and create new ones. As he prepares to take on Anstey Nomads, Weston is aware of the gap between his current team and the Manchester United team he faced 20 years ago.
“It’s funny because Dennis [Wise] contacted me recently on social media to see how I was doing,” Weston recalls. “It’s crazy how time flies. I know it’s 20 years ago, but I remember it all like it was yesterday.”
Weston’s Legacy and Impact
Curtis Weston’s story serves as an inspiration to aspiring footballers and a testament to the power of hard work and dedication. As he continues to play in the FA Cup, Weston’s passion for the game remains unwavering.
With his sights set on the second qualifying round, Weston will don the Mickleover jersey, ready to face off against Anstey Nomads. As the FA Cup journey continues, one thing remains certain – Curtis Weston’s love for the beautiful game will endure.