The Final of The FA Vase – one of the most prestigious cup competitions in non-League football and celebrating its 30th anniversary – will be played at Birmingham City FC on Sunday, 16th May.

 

The Final was to have been played at West Ham United FC, last season's hosts, on 15th May.

 

The FA took the decision to move the Final from West Ham  as the Division One side could be involved in a play-off fixture on the same date.

 

Paul Mullen, Marketing Manager of The FA, said: "The decision has been taken to change the venue for the Final of The FA Vase in light of the possibility that West Ham United FC could be involved in the play-offs.

 

"Although it may not be known for some time whether West Ham United will be in the play-offs, The FA did not want to inconvenience the clubs and the supporters reaching the Final by delaying any decision.

 

"In addition, this allows The FA enough time to make the necessary plans for staging such a showpiece cup final to ensure that it is a memorable occasion for both players and fans.

 

"With its Premiership status and impressive stadium facilities, Birmingham City FC is an ideal venue to host such a prestigious match."

 

Birmingham City, where The FA’s competition partner Carlsberg is the Official Beer, was chosen as a replacement venue due to its Premiership status and central location.

 

The date for the Final has been changed on the advice of local police due to Aston Villa being scheduled to play Manchester United at home in the Premiership on 15th May.

Karren Brady, managing director of Birmingham City FC, said: "I would like to thank The FA for inviting us to host the Final of The FA Vase here at St Andrews Stadium.

"It is an honour to stage the Final for the first time and everyone connected with Birmingham City is proud to be chosen to host what is one of the highlights of the non-League football calendar.

 

"I am sure the clubs reaching the Final will relish the chance to play at St Andrews and I look forward to welcoming them in May."

 

The decision has been supported by West Ham United FC.

 

Chairman Terence Brown said: "West Ham United were proud to host last season's FA Vase Final, which is a real highlight of the non-League season.

 

"Last season's Final between AFC Sudbury and Brigg Town attracted a good crowd and the standard of the game was a credit to both clubs and to non-League football in general.

 

"Due to West Ham United’s possible involvement in this season's play-offs, The FA were forced to switch the venue to Birmingham City's St Andrews. All at the Club wish this season's finalists the best of luck and hope that the Boleyn Ground will play host to The FA Vase Final in the future."

The change of venue means that the city of Birmingham will host the nation’s top two non-League cup competitions on consecutive weekends.

 

The Final of The FA Trophy, in partnership with Carlsberg, will be played at Aston Villa FC on Sunday, 23rd May. The climax to non-League’s premier cup competition has been played at Villa Park in the previous three seasons.

 

The finals of both The FA Trophy and The FA Vase will continue to be played at prestigious grounds until 2006 when the new Wembley Stadium is due to be completed.

 

As The FA Vase celebrates its 30th season, The FA has dramatically increased the total prize fund, highlighting its continued support for this level of the game.

 

The significant rise in prize money of £197,000 to £350,000 gives clubs the chance to earn greater rewards for achieving success at every round.

 

The winners of this season’s FA Vase will receive £15,000 in prize money, compared to the £5,000 awarded to Brigg Town last season.

 

This is the ninth consecutive season that Carlsberg has been The FA’s presenting partner for The FA Vase. It forms an integral part of their support of football in this country.

 

Carlsberg is also The FA’s presenting partner for The FA Trophy and The FA Sunday Cup, highlighting their commitment to non-League and grassroots football.

 

Gareth Roberts, Carlsberg's Sponsorship Manager, said: ‘We fully support The FA’s decision to play the Final of The FA Vase at Birmingham City FC on Sunday, 16th May.

 

"Birmingham City is an impressive stadium and will be a fitting venue for the 30th anniversary final of The FA Vase."