The Emirates FA Cup
Clubs to be automatically accepted subject to the ground fully 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 must also be a participant in either the Buildbase FA Trophy or the FA Vase Competitions in season 2020-21.
A Club participating at Steps 5 & 6 of the FA National League System in season 2019-20 shall be permitted to apply for entry. However, acceptance into the competition will be subject to availability of places, which cannot be guaranteed.
The Buildbase FA Trophy
- Entry is restricted to clubs participating in Steps 1-4 of the FA National League System subject to the ground fully conforming to the minimum standard.
A club moving between Step 4 and 5 of the FA National League System will be moved accordingly by the FA between the FA Trophy and the FA Vase competitions.
The Buildbase FA Vase
Clubs to be automatically accepted subject to the ground fully conforming to the minimum standard
- Clubs in Steps 5 & 6 of the FA National League System
A club participating at Step 7 of the FA National League System in season 2019-20 shall only be permitted to apply for entry if it has applied for promotion to Step 6 for season 2020-21. However, acceptance into the competition will be subject to such club receiving promotion to Step 6 for season 2020-21.
The FA Youth Cup
Clubs to be automatically accepted subject to the ground fully conforming to the minimum standard.
- Clubs participating in the FA Cup, the FA Trophy or the FA Vase in season 2020-21.
- Clubs participating in a recognised youth league or suitable competition in season 2020-21 that is sanctioned by the Association or an affiliated Association.
- Youth teams representing a club must be properly integrated, in the opinion of the Association, with the club.
Ground standards
The Emirates FA Cup
Clubs must have a ground where all home first team League matches are played, which fully conforms to a “G” grade of the FA National Ground Grading (appropriate to Step 6 of the FA National League System) or higher.
The Buildbase FA Vase
Clubs must have a ground where all home first team League matches are played, which fully conforms to a “H” grade of the FA National Ground Grading (appropriate to entry to Step 6 of The FA National League System) or higher.
Any club with a ground which does not fully conform to the minimum ground standard, as referenced above, WILL NOT be permitted entry into a competition by nominating an alternative ground solely for the purpose of being used in FA competitions.
Find details of the FA National Ground Grading requirements
Online application
Apply for next season's FA Cup, FA Trophy, FA Vase and FA Youth Cup online.
The closing date for applications is 1 April 2020
Entry Terms & Conditions for FA Competitions for season 2020-21.
Click here for Entry Criteria and Ground Standards for FA Competitions for season 2020-21.
If any further information is required on applying to enter FA competitions, please contact competition.entries@thefa.com or call on 0800 169 1863 (Extension 4583 / 4617 / 4622)
