FA Trophy

About FA Trophy

FA Trophy History, Format, Organization, Media Coverage

The FA Trophy is an English men’s football knockout cup competition established in 1969. It is contested by clubs from the National League System and administered by the Football Association (FA).

Eligible teams compete in the tournament if they are between Step 1 and Step 4 of the National League, allowing participation from the National League, Southern League, Isthmian League, and Northern Premier League. Over 300 teams participate each season, although the exact number can vary.

The FA Trophy runs from August/September to May and consists of qualifying rounds followed by eight proper rounds. It follows a single-elimination format, with all matches except the final played over a single leg. If an FA Trophy tie ends in a draw after 90 minutes of normal time, it extends directly to a penalty shootout, while the final includes extra time before penalties, if needed.

Telford United, a now-defunct football club, reached the final in both the inaugural events, losing the first but winning the second. Scarborough, also defunct, became the first team to win multiple FA Trophy titles and the first to win back-to-back titles. Woking and Stevenage Borough are other notable clubs that have enjoyed success in this competition.