Portal:English football/Selected competition/11
The Football Association Challenge Trophy is an English football competition for clubs playing in levels 5-8 of the English football league system (steps 1-4 of the National League System), which currently covers the three divisions of the Football Conference along with the Southern League, Isthmian League, and Northern Premier League. Clubs in lower levels of the National League System play in the FA Vase.
It was created by the Football Association in 1969 for semi-professional teams, to complement the existing FA Amateur Cup. When the latter was abolished in 1974, the leading amateur teams joined the Trophy. The final was traditionally held at the old Wembley Stadium, but was moved to Villa Park during Wembley's redevelopment. The 2005-06 final was held at Upton Park, London.