Entry Requirements

THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION FA CUP, FA TROPHY, FA VASE AND FA YOUTH CUP SEASON 2019-2020

ENTRY CRITERIA
THE 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 & 5 of The FA National League System.

Clubs to be accepted subject to available places and subject to the ground fully conforming to the minimum standard  Clubs in Step 6 of The FA National League System.

In the event the Competition is oversubscribed, places will be determined based on a Clubs points per game at Step 6 of The FA National League System in the previous season.

 Clubs must also be participating in either The FA Trophy or The FA Vase Competitions in season 2019-2020.

THE FA TROPHY

 Entry is restricted to Clubs competing in Steps 1-4 of The FA National League System subject to the ground fully conforming to the minimum standard.

Clubs moving to and from Step 4 will automatically be moved between The FA Trophy and The FA Vase Competitions accordingly.

THE FA VASE

 Entry is restricted to Clubs competing in Steps 5-7 of The FA National League System subject to the ground fully conforming to the minimum standard.

THE FA YOUTH CUP

Clubs to be 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 2019-2020.  Clubs participating in a recognized Youth League or suitable Competition in season 2019-2020 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.


MINIMUM GROUND STANDARDS
THE FA CUP

Clubs must have a ground 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 FA VASE

Clubs must have a ground which fully conforms to a “H” grade of The FA National Ground Grading (appropriate to Step 6 of The FA National League System) or higher.

Clubs with grounds not fully conforming to the minimum standards WILL NOT be permitted entry by nominating an alternative ground for home matches in FA Competitions

Clarification on the various ground grades related to The FA National League System can be found under the following link http://www.thefa.com/get-involved/player/clubs-leagues/ground-gradin