The FA Community Shield signals the beginning of a new season. Its contestants go head-to-head at the ‘Home of Football’ Wembley to win the season’s first silverware. Although some fans don’t hold it in high regard, football managers and players want to win trophies, and they play their strongest teams. So, what is the FA Community Shield? Here’s a detailed guide on its history, winning teams, and place in English football.
People Also Read: 8 UEFA Super Cup Winners That Have Dominated Europe
Become an insider. Subscribe to our newsletter for more top trending stories like this!
You can get soccer balls on Amazon.
What is the FA Community Shield?
Officially named the Football Association Community Shield, formerly the Charity Shield, the match opens the English football season. The Premier League and the FA Cup winners compete for the trophy. If the same team win both trophies, the second-placed team competes for the title.
The purpose of this game is to raise money for communities and charities, working with the Football Association (FA). Additionally, clubs that competed in the competition the previous season receive a portion of the money.
People Also Read: WNBA Salaries: 10 Highest Earners in the League in 2024
Purchase soccer boots on Walmart.
History of the Community Shield
The first Community Shield game was played in the 1908/09 season. The competition was first launched as the Sheriff of London Charity Shield in 1898 and its rebrand evolved to its current format.
Manchester United and Queens Park Rangers were the first contestants of the Community Shield and United won the title after a replay. Over the years, the structure of the FA Community Shield changed. 1921 was the first time it was played between the first division and the FA Cup winner.
The competition adopted the name, Community Shield after some unfortunate circumstances. The Charity Commissions found out the FA wasn’t fulfilling its obligations of remitting its financial information and the name changed to the Community Shield.
Join our Spotcovery Global Black Community Facebook Group for early access to exclusive content and to share in a lively discussion.
Venue of the Community Shield
Since 1974, the Community Shield has been played in a neutral venue, the Wembley Stadium. When it was being reconstructed, the Cardiff Stadium hosted the matches. Before 1974, the game was played in different stadiums, Old Trafford, White Hart Lane, Stamford Bridge and others.
Become an insider. Subscribe to our newsletter for more top trending stories like this!
Get sports equipment on Target.
Is the Community Shield a Major Trophy?
As mentioned, many fans don’t regard the FA Community Shield as a major trophy and more of a curtain-raiser, kind of “nice way to kick start the season”. It ranks below the Premier League and the FA Cup domestically. Also, the FA Community Shield cannot be considered a major trophy because it is not open to all English teams.
People Also Read: Summer Transfer Window 2024: 12 Players Leaving on a Free Transfer
The Most Successful Team in the FA Community Shield
Manchester United is the most successful club in the competition with 21 trophies. Arsenal comes second with 17 wins, Liverpool with 16, Everton with nine and Tottenham Hotspur with seven closing off the top five winners. Other teams that have won the trophy include:
- Everton
- Chelsea
- Wolverhampton Wanderers
- Leeds United
- Leicester City
People Also Read: Hosting the Olympics Pros and Cons: The Good, Bad & the Ugly
In Conclusion
If you were asking, “What is the FA Community Shield, we hope this article helps you to learn more about the competition. It is one of England’s old tournaments and although it doesn’t enjoy the level of prestige other competitions do, its place in British football is secured.
Nearly 80% of consumers visit directories with reviews to find a local business. List your business for free in our exclusive Spotcovery Black-Owned Business Directory.
Spotcovery offers unique and fresh daily content on Black culture, lifestyle, and experiences. We talk about everything black, black people, black-owned and black-owned businesses. We also deliver authentic and relevant content that will inform, inspire, and empower you! The future of black media is critical to today’s black experience! Our primary audience includes African Americans, Africans, Afro-Caribbean, and people of African heritage. Black culture is for the culture!
Become an insider. Subscribe to our newsletter for more top trending stories like this!
