Football Association Challenge Vase

Overview

The FA Vase was insituted in 1974 when the Football Association abolished the distinction between professional and amateur status, effectively replacing the FA Amateur Cup. Some of the more senior clubs who previously competed in the Amateur Cup, for example those from the Isthmian and Northern Leagues switched instead to the FA Trophy, leaving the Vase for clubs from a variety of regional and local leagues.

The first winners were Hoddesdon Town of the Spartan League, but it was not long before the first Vase "dynasty" appeared - Billericay Town of the Essex Senior League who won the competition three times in four seasons. This remained unequalled until 2010 when Whitley Bay won their third Vase and then won their fourth (and third in succession) a year later. Halesowen Town, Brigg Town and Tiverton Town are dual winners. A F C Sudbury have an impressive but unfortunate record of being losing finalists three years running.

Full results/draws of this seasons competition

Summary of winners

• 4. Whitley Bay
• 3. Billericay Town
• 2. Brigg Town, Halesowen Town, Tiverton Town
• 1. Arlesey Town, Blue Star, Bridlington Town, Colne Dynamoes, Deal Town, Didcot Town, Diss Town, Dunston UTS, Forest Green Rovers, Guiseley, Hoddesdon Town, Kirkham & Wesham, Nantwich Town, North Shields, St Helens Town, Sholing, Spennymoor Town, Stamford, Stansted, Tamworth, Taunton Town, Truro City, VS Rugby, Whickham, Whitby Town, Wimborne Town, Winchester City, Yeading

Clubs who have played in all Vase competitions

Brockenhurst, Calne Town, Chadderton, Hoddesdon Town, Holbeach United, Ringmer, Saffron Walden Town, Stansted, Stotfold, Tunbridge Wells, Westbury United

Please credit the F.C.H.D. when using this information elsewhere