FA Competitions Online Application
Season 2023-2024
Entry details for The FA Cup, FA Trophy, FA Vase and FA Youth Cup
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
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 & 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 there are places available in the competition for Step 6 clubs, these will be determined based on a club's points per game at Step 6 of the FA National League System in the previous season.
• Clubs at Steps 1 – 6 must also be participating in either the Isuzu FA Trophy or the Isuzu FA Vase competitions, in season 2023-24.
The Isuzu 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 Isuzu FA Trophy and the Isuzu FA Vase competitions.
The Isuzu FA Vase
• Entry is restricted to clubs participating in Steps 5 & 6 of the FA National League System subject to the ground fully conforming to the minimum standard.
A club participating below Step 6 of the FA National League System in season 2022-23 shall only be permitted to apply for entry if it has applied for promotion to Step 6 for season 2023-24. However, acceptance into the competition will be subject to such club receiving promotion to Step 6 for season 2023-24.
A club moving between Step 4 and 5 of the FA National League System will be moved accordingly by the FA between the Isuzu FA Trophy and the Isuzu FA Vase competitions.
The FA Youth Cup
Clubs to be automatically accepted subject to the ground fully conforming to the minimum standard:
• Clubs participating in the Emirates FA Cup, the Isuzu FA Trophy or the Isuzu FA Vase in season 2023-24.
• Clubs participating in a recognised youth league or suitable competition in season 2023-24 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 Grade 5 of the FA National Ground Grading (appropriate to Step 5 of The FA National League System) or higher.
The Isuzu FA Trophy
Clubs must have a ground where all home first team League matches are played, which fully conforms to a Grade 4 of the FA National Ground Grading (appropriate to Step 4 of The FA National League System) or higher.
The Isuzu FA Vase
Clubs must have a ground where all home first team League matches are played, which fully conforms to a Grade 7 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.
The FA Youth Cup
Clubs outside of the Premier League and English Football League must have a ground where all home first team league matches are played which fully conforms to a Grade 7 of the FA National Ground Grading (appropriate to entry to Step 6 of The FA National League System) or higher.
See details of the FA National Ground Grading requirements
To apply for next season's Emirates FA Cup, Isuzu FA Trophy, Isuzu FA Vase and FA Youth Cup, please click here to submit your application online.
The closing date for applications is Saturday 1 April 2023
Click here for Entry Terms & Conditions for FA Competitions for season 2023-24.
Click here for Entry Criteria & Ground Standards for FA Competitions for season 2023-24.
Contact information for FA Competitions
If any further information is required on applying to enter FA Competitions, please contact competition.entries@TheFA.com or call on 0800 169 1863 Ext 4583 / 4617 / 4622
