WHAT IS THE FA YOUTH CUP?

The FA Youth Cup has been up and running for over 50 years, with a total of 24 different clubs winning the competition. Manchester United are the most successful team in the history of the cup; winning the finals on nine occasions.

The cup exists in a similar format to the senior version of the FA Cup, consisting of four qualifying rounds and eight knock-out rounds, with the winner progressing through to the next round.

Since it began, the competition has gained a reputation of allowing talented youngsters the chance to showcase their emerging talent. Famous players that have emerged from the opportunity have included George Best, Paul Gascoigne and more recently David Beckham, Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney.

In it’s first season; the previously named ‘FA Youth Challenge Cup', restricted entry to the youth teams of clubs, both professional and amateur, who were in direct membership with The FA. Lately, the appeal of the cup has grown stronger with lesser clubs such as Palmers FC sparking on the path of giant killing.

The record score within the cup rounds stands with Manchester United, when, in 1952, the 'Busby Babes' side demolished non-League side Nantwich 23-0 in the Second Round.

In its first year, the cup finals brought in 21,000 and 15,000 fans respectively, but more recently the crowds have risen, due to the entertainment on show, especially in 1993 when the game between Leeds United and Manchester United brought a combined crowd of over 60,000 people.