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FA Community Shield

The FA Community Shield is an annual English football match played at Wembley Stadium between the previous season’s Premier League champions and FA Cup winners.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The FA Community Shield is an annual English football match played at Wembley Stadium between the previous season’s Premier League champions and FA Cup winners. If a team wins both competitions, the Premier League runners-up take part. It is organised by The Football Association and raises money for community initiatives and charitable causes.

History

The Community Shield began in 1908 as the FA Charity Shield and developed from earlier shield fixtures. The modern format of pairing the league champions with the FA Cup winners became established over time. The competition was renamed from the FA Charity Shield to the FA Community Shield in 2002.

Format

The match is usually contested by the previous season’s Premier League champions and FA Cup winners. If one club wins both competitions, the league runners-up take the second place. The fixture is traditionally staged as the curtain-raiser to the English football season.

Purpose

The fixture is intended as a season-opening showcase and a fundraising event. Proceeds from the match are directed to community initiatives and charitable causes through The Football Association.

Records and holders

Manchester United are the most successful club in the competition’s history, having won the Shield more times than any other team. Crystal Palace won the 2025 edition and are the current holders.

Key facts

  • The competition has been played since 1908 and was originally called the FA Charity Shield.
  • It was renamed the FA Community Shield in 2002 to reflect its charitable purpose.
  • The match is the traditional curtain-raiser to the English football season.
  • Manchester United hold the record for the most titles.
  • Crystal Palace are the current holders after winning the 2025 match.
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Canadian context

The FA Community Shield is mainly of interest to Canadian soccer fans following English football, especially Premier League coverage and preseason fixtures involving clubs with Canadian supporters.

Frequently asked questions

What is the FA Community Shield?
It is an annual English football match between the previous season’s Premier League champions and FA Cup winners, played at Wembley Stadium.
When was it first played?
The competition was first played in 1908.
Why was it renamed from the Charity Shield?
It was renamed in 2002 to reflect that the money raised was being distributed to community charities and initiatives.
What happens if one club wins both the league and the FA Cup?
The Premier League runners-up are invited to play instead.
Who are the current holders?
Crystal Palace are the current holders after winning the 2025 edition.
Which club has won it most often?
Manchester United have the most titles.

References

  1. The Football Association — https://www.thefa.com/competitions/the-fa-community-shield/more/history
    Supports: First played in 1908, former name Charity Shield, and current holders information.
  2. The Football Association — https://www.thefa.com/news/2025/aug/05/the-fa-community-shield-what-is-it-and-benefits-20250508
    Supports: 2025 match details, Wembley venue, and community-benefit purpose.
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FA_Community_Shield
    Supports: Match format, opponents, venue, charitable proceeds, and competition overview.
  4. Premier League — https://www.premierleague.com/en/news/4372940/preview-all-you-need-to-know-for-the-community-shield
    Supports: Curtain-raiser role, name change, venue tradition, and most successful clubs.