Jutorre Burgess will attempt to clear the opening hurdle in the Emirates FA Cup with Harborough Town today when they host Leek Town in the first qualifying round at Bowden Park.

The Bees made club history by getting to the second round proper of the FA Cup last year, the farthest they have ever reached in the oldest football competition in the world, with Bermudian winger Burgess playing an integral role.

Burgess is looking forward to today’s cup-tie and will be venturing into the unknown having never played against Leek Town.

“Being in an FA Cup qualifier against a team I’ve never faced before is an amazing opportunity. It's a chance to test your skills against the unknown, pushing me and my team-mates to adapt and strategise in real time,” he told The Royal Gazette.

“The excitement of potentially advancing in such a prestigious competition creates an unforgettable experience.”

The former Bermuda Under-20, Hamilton Parish and Brooke House College academy player received a huge confidence boost after being called up to senior national team duty for the first time for the Gombey Warriors’ crucial final round of 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Jamaica and Curaçao next month.

“Getting the call-up to the senior national team is like a dream come true,” he said.

“It all started back in Hamilton Parish, just playing and learning the game. Then, going to Brooke House College was huge; it really helped me get better.

“After that, playing for Harborough Town was a big step up, pushing me to improve even more. All those tough times and good moments got me here, so being picked for the national team feels amazing and makes me super proud.

“Playing for my country feels amazing. I'm super proud to wear the jersey and do my best for everyone back home.

Bermuda will kick off their campaign when they host Jamaica at Flora Duffy Stadium next Friday before facing Curaçao four days later at the Ergilio Hato Stadium in Willemstad.

The Gombey Warriors will then face Trinidad & Tobago and Jamaica in October, and Curaçao and Trinidad in November.

Burgess has vowed to do all within his power to help the island achieve its goal of qualifying for the World Cup for the first time.

“We will work hard as a team every day to try and qualify,” he said.

“I am pretty certain that all of the team is in good shape and want to do everything we can to be ready against tough opponents.”