FA Trophy (England) 2026/27: Table and Fixtures

The FA Trophy serves as the premier knockout tournament for semi-professional football in England. Founded in 1969 following the abolition of the FA Amateur Cup, it provides a specific stage for clubs operating outside the fully professional leagues. The competition occupies Levels 5 through 8 of the English football pyramid, encompassing Steps 1 to 4 of the National League System. This structure includes the National League alongside the Premier Divisions of the Isthmian, Northern Premier, and Southern Leagues, extending down to their respective Division Ones. It stands clearly apart from the FA Vase, which caters to lower-tier non-league sides at Steps 5 and 6.

The format operates as a straight knockout tournament with no group stages. Entry is staggered; Step 4 clubs begin in three qualifying rounds, while higher-ranked sides from Steps 3, 2, and 1 enter sequentially in the rounds proper. All fixtures, including the decisive final, are played as single-leg affairs. If a match ends in a draw, it is resolved immediately by penalty shootouts without replays. The culmination of the season takes place at Wembley Stadium, a venue established for the final in 1978 after the event was moved from its previous location. The fixture is traditionally scheduled for the Saturday following the FA Cup Final.

Participation currently reaches up to 320 teams. While the tournament offers no promotion or relegation, it remains a significant achievement for participating clubs. Historical dominance is shared among several sides, with Scarborough, Telford United, and Woking each holding three titles. Notable moments include Wrexham becoming the first Welsh club to win the trophy in 2013. Sponsorship has evolved over the decades, featuring Umbro and Carlsberg before settling on Isuzu. The record attendance for a final stands at 53,262, set during the 2007 contest between Stevenage and Kidderminster. The current holder is Aldershot Town, having secured victory over Spennymoor Town in the 2024–25 season.

FA Trophy (England) 2026/27

Matches

Play-offs

Season in numbers

Clubs

About

Seasons