After reaching the national final last season, where the Blues lost out at home to Bristol Rovers at Brunton Park, United will this year start their campaign with a home tie against League Two York City, the Minstermen playing in the North-Eastern division of the Youth Alliance League, with the competition, like the Johnstone's Paint Trophy, split into north and south regions throughout.
For some reason the southern section play their games in a multi mini-table format whereas the northern sides just play a straight knockout throughout, with no extra-time played in those ties which finish level at full-time and therefore go straight to penalties. The Carlisle lads scheduled to play their first round match against York at Creighton Rugby Club on Saturday 5th October in an 11am kick-off.