The FA Vase — A Complete Guide
The FA Vase is English football's premier knock-out cup competition for clubs at Steps 5 to 7 of the National League System and below. Over 600 teams enter each season.
What Is the FA Vase?
The FA Vase was introduced in the 1974–75 season to replace the FA Amateur Cup, which had been discontinued after the distinction between amateur and professional footballers was officially abolished by the FA in 1974. It is open to clubs at Step 5 of the National League System and below — meaning teams playing in county leagues, combined counties leagues and other grassroots competitions.
FA Vase Format & Rounds
The FA Vase is a straight knock-out competition with replays in the early rounds. From the quarter-finals onward, ties are decided on the day with extra time and penalties if needed. The semi-finals are played over two legs.
| Round | Timing | ~Teams |
|---|---|---|
| Extra Preliminary Round | August | ~600 |
| Preliminary Round | August | ~400 |
| First Qualifying Round | September | ~300 |
| Second Qualifying Round | September | ~160 |
| First Round | October | ~80 |
| Second Round | November | ~40 |
| Third Round | December | 20 |
| Fourth Round | January | 10 |
| Fifth Round (Quarter-Finals) | February | 8 |
| Semi-Finals (Two Legs) | March | 4 |
| Final at Wembley | May | 2 |
Who Can Enter the FA Vase?
The FA Vase is open to clubs affiliated to a County FA and competing at Step 5 or below in the National League System. This includes:
- Step 5 leagues (e.g. Combined Counties, Northern Counties East Division One)
- Step 6 leagues (e.g. Midland Football League Division Two)
- Step 7 and county league clubs
Clubs at Step 4 and above compete in the FA Trophy instead.
FA Vase Prize Money
Prize money in the FA Vase has increased significantly over the years, reflecting the FA's commitment to grassroots football.
The FA Vase Final at Wembley
The FA Vase Final is played at Wembley Stadium, traditionally on the same weekend as the FA Trophy Final. For players and supporters of Step 5–7 clubs, walking out at Wembley is an extraordinary experience — often the only time they will play at the national stadium.
Towns and villages across England empty as communities travel to London to support their local club. Pubs, social clubs and village halls rally behind their team in scenes rarely seen in the professional game.
Notable FA Vase Winners
- Whitley Bay — Won the Vase three consecutive times (2009, 2010, 2011), an unprecedented achievement
- Halesowen Town — Winners in 1985 and 1986, later rose to the Conference
- North Shields — 2015 winners, defeating Glossop North End at Wembley
- Stockton Town — Won the Vase in 2019 and have since climbed rapidly through the pyramid
- Newport Pagnell Town — 2024 winners, defeating Hamworthy United
How to Follow the FA Vase
FA Vase results, draws and fixtures are published on the Cups & Competitions section of LeaguePages. You can also follow individual clubs through their club pages to see their Vase progress.