The excitement must be building for the lower-league clubs preparing for this week's FFA Cup round of 32 openers.

Four cracking games will start what should be another exciting few weeks for the second-year competition.

No A-League teams will suit up in the first week back, but there is undoubtedly plenty at stake for NPL clubs in action.

The chance to set up a match against some of the biggest names in Australia isn't something which comes around too often.

It provides a unique opportunity for lower-league outfits unlike any other major sport in this country.

One fixture which highlights what the Cup is all about more than any other this year is Balmain Tigers' meeting with Melbourne Victory on August 4.

The Tigers are the only fourth-tier club left in the Cup and usually play their football in the NSW State League 1.

In a week's time they'll come up against the best side in the country at Leichhardt Oval.

It's exactly what this Cup hopes to create; David and Goliath-type battles that you can't help but watch similar to the one which was played in our own backyard in 2014.

South Coast Wolves' round-of-32 meeting with Central Coast Mariners a season ago is one which still sticks well in the memory for all the players who participated.

Unfortunately, we won't get the chance to see an Illawarra club return to the national stage again in 2015 but there is plenty of motivation to get back there in a year's time.

With a number of Illawarra Premier League clubs already trying their hand at the competition, it might not be too unrealistic to see one of the local elite complete their own fairytale journey.

The possibilities are endless in this Cup format.

This year, 11 live games will be broadcast on television from the round of 32 and all games can be seen on Fox Sports internet live streaming.

Again it gives a chance for countless unsung heroes to stake their claim in front of big audiences around the country.

It's also a great opportunity for football fans to get out to some suburban grounds and experience the passion surrounding many of these second-tier clubs.

Let's hope the second edition can continue the success of the first Cup in 2014.