FA Women's Cup
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| FA Women's Cup | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | FA Women's Cup |
| Organiser | The Football Association |
| Founded | 1970 |
| Region | England |
| Number of teams | 417 (2023–24) |
| Current champion | Chelsea F.C. Women |
| Most successful club | Arsenal W.F.C. (14 titles) |
| Website | The Football Association |
FA Women's Cup is the premier national knockout cup competition for women's association football clubs in England and members of Wales eligible under The Football Association rules. Established as a national tournament in 1970, it has grown from regional amateur beginnings into a professional competition featuring clubs from the Women's Super League, Women's Championship, and lower tiers of the English women's football pyramid. The cup has played a central role in the development of women's football alongside competitions such as the UEFA Women's Champions League and domestic leagues.
History
The competition began amid the revival of women's football after the lifting of the Football Association ban on women's matches in 1971 and was first organised by the Women's Football Association (WFA). Early finals were contested by pioneering clubs such as Southampton Women's F.C., Queen's Park Rangers L.F.C., and St Helens W.F.C., with matches attracting grassroots attention. The takeover of the competition by The Football Association in 1993 integrated it into the national structure alongside initiatives like the FA Women's Premier League and later the FA Women's Super League (WSL). Increasing professionalisation from the 2000s, driven by clubs like Arsenal W.F.C., Chelsea F.C. Women, Manchester City W.F.C., and Everton L.F.C., saw rising attendance, media interest, and commercial sponsorships including partnerships with brands such as VitalityHealth and broadcasters such as BBC Sport and Sky Sports.
Format and Rules
The tournament uses a straight knockout format administered by The Football Association with rules aligned to Laws of the Game as governed by the International Football Association Board (IFAB). Matches tied after 90 minutes traditionally proceed to extra time and, if necessary, a penalty shoot-out in later rounds; specific regulations have varied with trialled changes by the FA and IFAB for concussion and substitution protocols. Clubs must meet eligibility criteria regarding membership, ground standards, and player registration overseen by the Football Association's Competitions Committee. Professional clubs from the FA Women's Super League enter at later stages to balance competitive integrity, and disciplinary matters are managed under FA disciplinary procedures with appeal routes to the FA Appeal Board.
Qualification and Entry Levels
Entry is open to clubs affiliated to The Football Association meeting facility and financial criteria, encompassing tiers from the FA Women's National League divisions to top-tier FA Women's Super League teams. Lower-tier and amateur clubs such as those from regional leagues begin in preliminary and qualifying rounds, facing travel and fixture-congestion challenges similar to those encountered in the Men's FA Cup. The staggered entry system mirrors models used in competitions like the Scottish Women's Cup and international equivalents such as the Coupe de France féminine and DFB-Pokal Frauen, enabling "giant-killing" opportunities where non-league sides face professional opponents.
Competition Progress (Rounds and Scheduling)
The competition calendar typically starts with preliminary and qualifying rounds in late summer, progressing through numbered rounds to quarter-finals, semi-finals, and a final in spring. Scheduling must coordinate with league calendars for the Women's Super League, Women's Championship, domestic cup competitions like the FA WSL Cup, and international windows set by FIFA and UEFA. Replays were used historically but have been reduced or removed in recent years to ease fixture congestion, reflecting precedents from the Men's FA Cup and continental competitions. The draw for each round is conducted by the FA and sometimes features former players or officials such as ex-internationals from England women's national football team or representatives from clubs including Arsenal W.F.C. and Chelsea F.C. Women.
Finals and Venues
Finals have been staged at iconic venues, including Wembley Stadium, Villa Park, Stamford Bridge, and neutral grounds like Old Trafford for high-profile matches. The return of the final to Wembley Stadium symbolised mainstream recognition, following precursor finals at stadiums such as Selhurst Park and Molineux. Venue selection balances capacity, pitch standards, and logistical factors, with broadcasters BBC Sport and Sky Sports influencing scheduling to maximise audience. Notable finals featured clubs including Arsenal W.F.C., Leeds United L.F.C., Doncaster Rovers Belles L.F.C., and Chelsea F.C. Women in matches that have set attendance records for women's domestic cup finals.
Records and Statistics
The record for most titles is held by Arsenal W.F.C. with 14 victories, and the competition has produced standout performers such as Kelly Smith, Rachel Yankey, Ada Hegerberg, and Ellen White who have left statistical legacies in goal-scoring and appearances. Highest attendance figures have been recorded at Wembley Stadium finals in recent seasons, reflecting growth comparable to trends seen in the England women's national football team fixtures and UEFA Women's Euro tournaments. Upsets—known as "giant-killings"—include memorable wins by lower-division sides over FA WSL opponents, and clubs like Doncaster Rovers Belles L.F.C. and Everton L.F.C. feature in historical statistical lists for finals appearances.
Media Coverage and Sponsorship
Media rights have evolved from limited regional coverage to national broadcast deals with BBC Sport, Sky Sports, and streaming platforms, increasing visibility alongside social media engagement from clubs such as Manchester City W.F.C., Chelsea F.C. Women, and Arsenal W.F.C.. Commercial sponsors have included companies in health insurance and consumer brands, reflecting partnerships similar to those in the FA Community Shield and Carabao Cup. Investment from broadcasters and sponsors has facilitated prize-money increases, professional club investment, and promotional campaigns aligned with initiatives by The Football Association to grow women's football participation and viewership.
Category:Women's football competitions in England