Clubs can now apply to enter FA Competitions for the 2018-19 season using our online application process.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
The Emirates FA Cup
Clubs to be automatically accepted subject to the ground conforming to the minimum standard:-
- Clubs in the Premier League, English Football League and in Steps 1, 2, 3 & 4 of The FA National League System.
- Clubs in Step 5 of The FA National League System.
- Clubs relegated to Step 6 of The FA National League System.
- Clubs in Step 6 of The FA National League System finishing in a League position 1-4 of the preceding season.
Clubs to be accepted subject to available places and subject to the ground conforming to the minimum standard:-
- Clubs playing in Step 6 of The FA National League System finishing in a League position below four of the preceding season.
New entries
- Clubs must have participated in the FA Trophy or FA Vase in season 2017-18.
The Buildbase FA Trophy
- Entry is restricted to clubs competing in Steps 1-4 of The FA National League System.
Clubs moving to and from Step 4 will automatically be moved between the Trophy and Vase Competitions accordingly.
The Buildbase FA Vase
- Entry is restricted to clubs competing in Steps 5-7 of The FA National League System, subject to the ground conforming to the minimum standard.
The FA Youth Cup
Clubs to be accepted subject to the ground conforming to the minimum standard:-
- Clubs participating in The FA Cup, Trophy or Vase in season 2018-19.
- Clubs participating in a recognised Youth League in season 2018-19 that is sanctioned by the Association or an affiliated Association.
- Youth Teams representing a senior club must be properly integrated within the main structure of the senior club.
GROUND STANDARDS
The Emirates FA Cup
Clubs must have a ground grade which conforms to a ‘G’ grade (appropriate to Step 6) or higher as at 31 March of the preceding season.
The Buildbase FA Vase
Clubs must have a ground grade which conforms to a ‘H’ grade (appropriate to entry to Step 6) or higher as at 31 March of the preceding season.
Clarification on the various ground grades related to The FA National League System
Clubs currently below Step 6 of The FA NLS MUST download and complete the ‘H’ Grade Questionnaire which must be completed and submitted to The FA by email to competition.entries@thefa.com by 31 March 2018. The information provided on the questionnaire will be then checked and verified by a club’s League.
Please note, where a club has already submitted a copy of the questionnaire to The FA in respect of a promotion application to Step 6, it is NOT necessary to complete another one. Clubs in a ground sharing agreement with another club at Step 6 or above, are also NOT required to complete H Grade Questionnaire.
Clubs with grounds not conforming to the minimum standards WILL NOT be permitted entry by nominating an alternative ground for home ties in FA Competitions.
ONLINE APPLICATION
To apply for next season's FA Cup, FA Trophy, FA Vase and FA Youth Cup, please click here to submit your application online.
The closing date for applications is 1 April 2018
Entry terms & conditions for FA Competitions for season 2018-19.
Entry criteria and ground standards for FA Competitions for season 2018-19.
CONTACT INFORMATION
If any further assistance is required on applying to enter FA Competitions, please contact competition.entries@thefa.com or call on 0800 169 1863 ext 4583 / 4617 / 4622
