THE Isuzu FA Trophy and Isuzu FA Vase are vitally important for our wonderful world of Non-League football.
Ultimately, these vibrant knockout competitions allow players, officials and supporters the chance to grace Wembley Stadium on Non-League Finals Day.
Unlike the FA Cup where FA Cup odds and live betting markets suggest those Premier League big boys will be victorious, the Trophy and – in particular – the Vase can be won by any of the participating clubs.
As I researched this in-depth analysis, an official spokesperson for the Football Association told me: “National League System football clubs are central to communities across the country, and the Isuzu FA Trophy and FA Vase competitions give them the chance to be recognised on the biggest stage possible.
“They also provide important revenue streams, which supports our ambitions in developing sustainable National League System Community Clubs. Non-League Finals Day at Wembley Stadium is always a special occasion too, and we look forward to welcoming fans, players and staff from clubs further down the pyramid every season.”
In addition, I spoke to a cross-section of the teams involved in a bid to discover their views…
HENDON FC – club secretary Jeremy Lawrence
What a massive boost our Isuzu FA Trophy run to the Fifth Round last season gave everybody connected to this club. I fielded emails from all over the world where Hendon supporters in exile were asking about our Fourth Round tie away to Oldham Athletic. There was a bounce in the step of everyone.
And the feeling when the referee blew the final whistle and we had secured a famous 2-1 victory was one which will live with me for ever. Let’s be honest, no Non-League team is ever going to win the FA Cup.
But at the start of every campaign, you just wonder (even as a Step 3 club) could this be our year in the Isuzu FA Trophy? And then minds start to think back to 1972 when Hendon won the FA Amateur Cup - forerunner of the FA Trophy.
So this season coming when we enter at the 3rd Qualifying Round stage, all at Hendon will be waiting with bated breath and thinking back to winning at Oldham. That’s what the Isuzu FA Trophy means to Hendon Football Club.
FC UNITED OF MANCHESTER - club board member Matthew Hale
The Isuzu FA Trophy represents a fantastic opportunity for Non-League clubs to go on a national cup adventure, which can excite fans whilst generating much needed revenue.
Our best run in this competition to date came in 2014/15 when we made it through to the Quarter-Finals before narrowly losing 1-0 away to then Conference Premier side Torquay United.
Exactly 1,365 FC United fans travelled hundreds of miles to pack out Plainmoor, creating Torquay’s biggest crowd that season of 3,805. Despite the result, it was another superb day both on and off the pitch with more friends, not millionaires, being made – this time on the English Riviera.
ROMFORD FC – club chairman Steve Gardener
Winning the Isuzu FA Vase in 2023/24 is a new memory for supporters of Romford and will live forever within everyone connected to the club. The FA competitions are very unique and Wembley is such an iconic stadium.
To have an “I was there” moment across club volunteers, players, management and the supporters meant you were part of a special bond and connection you will always possess. The club’s name and your part in the victory will be eternally etched into the history books.
Players get the opportunity to showcase their talents on a wider stage to a bigger audience. Meanwhile it is easier to engage with existing sponsors and encourage new ones. A new generation of potential supporters is reached and everyone in the town is talking about your victory.
Financially you can secure your club for probably another year at least. But being underneath the arch at Wembley hearing 2,500 people roaring on your team and wearing your colours sends a tingle up the spine that money can’t buy.
PENISTONE CHURCH FC – club chairman Ian Richardson
The Isuzu FA Vase is important to Non-League clubs for several reasons. First up is the possibility of a home draw and getting an opponent with a decent away following.
The second one is a great chance to progress while knowing sides of Step 5 & 6 can go as far as Wembley. That’s a great carrot for us all. Then it’s an opportunity to get through a few rounds, earn some pounds to pay the bills and it can bring the most enjoyable days out.
Lastly as a comment from Penistone Church…we love our annual trips to Liverpool! The FA spreadsheet keeps sending us over to Merseyside – although maybe 2024 is the year of the home draw for us in the Isuzu FA Vase.
AVRO FC – club head of media and communications Rob Currell.
These competitions provide teams like ours with the opportunity to compete in a national tournament which can potentially bring prestige and recognition to the club.
DEARNE AND DISTRICT FC – club chairman Antonio Jamasb
For a club that didn’t have an adult men’s team five years ago, we can now enter the Isuzu FA Vase. It is an amazing step for us. Not only our fan base but also our brand. I am so excited about it.
WORSBROUGH BRIDGE AFC - club chairman Mark Booth
The Isuzu FA Vase is the most prestigious competition we play in and is the one cup draw our players look out for above all others.
Not only is it the pinnacle of our season, but also it is only tournament offering any form of prize money. For clubs at our level, that is a huge incentive to progress.
*Credit for the main photo belongs to Alamy*
