FA Trophy
English annual association football competition / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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The Football Association Challenge Trophy, commonly known as the FA Trophy, is a men's football knockout cup competition run by and named after the English Football Association and competed for primarily by semi-professional teams. The competition was instigated in 1969 to cater to those non-league clubs that paid their players and were therefore not eligible to enter the FA Amateur Cup.
Founded | 1969 |
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Region | England |
Number of teams | 320 (including non-entries) |
Current champions | Gateshead F.C (1st title) |
Most successful club(s) | Scarborough Woking Telford United (3 titles each) |
Television broadcasters | TNT Sports (final only) |
Website | FA Trophy |
2023–24 FA Trophy |
Eligibility rules have changed over time, but from 2008 onwards the competition has been open to clubs playing in Steps 1–4 of the National League System, equivalent to tiers 5–8 of the overall English football league system. This covers the National League, the Southern League, Isthmian League, and Northern Premier League.[1]
The final of the competition was held at the original Wembley Stadium from the tournament's instigation until the stadium closed in 2000. The final has been played at the new Wembley Stadium since its opening in 2007. The record for the most FA Trophy wins is shared by Woking and two defunct clubs, Scarborough and Telford United, with three victories each.
The Trophy is currently held by Gateshead F.C, who beat Solihull Moors in the 2024 final held on 11 May 2024.