The FA Cup in association football history can be dates back to the 1871-1872 season. With the exception of interruptions during the First and Second World Wars, the competition has been an annual tradition.
The Football Association, the governing body of football in England, was established in 1863. However, for the initial eight years of its existence, member clubs engaged in friendly matches with no prizes at stake.
In 1871, Charles Alcock, the secretary of the Football Association, conceived the idea of a knockout tournament open to all member clubs on July 20, 1871. The winning team would be awarded a trophy, with this concept being officially announced in The Sportsman newspaper. Alcock drew inspiration from his days at Harrow School, where different schoolhouses competed for the title of “Cock House.”
The committee overseeing this initiative included individuals such as Stephenson C.W. (Westminster School) Glifford J.H. (Civil Service), D. Allport (Crystal Palace), Capt. Francis Marindin (Royal Engineers), A. Stair (F.A. Treasurer) (Upton Park), and Betts M.P. (Harrow School).
With tremendous enthusiasm and determination, Alcock and his colleagues paved the way for the creation of the Football Association Challenge Cup, later known as the FA Cup.
The first-ever FA Cup tournament began in November 1871, featuring four first-round matches played on November 11, 1871. The initial goal of this prestigious competition was scored by Jarvis Kenrick, a player from Clapham Rovers, in a 3-0 victory over Upton Park, with Kenrick contributing two goals.
In the chilly winter of 1872, a total of 15 teams from various clubs came together to compete in the inaugural tournament. The grand final was held at the Kennington Oval on March 16, 1872, pitting the Wanderers against the Royal Engineers. The anticipation in the air was palpable as eager spectators awaited this historic match.
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The Wanderers, an amateur team composed of former Harrow School and Old Etonian players, faced off against the Royal Engineers, renowned for their strong defense and strategic gameplay. The match itself was a spectacle, although quite different from the modern football we know today.
During this era, there were no nets, and the goalposts were simple white tape hanging from 12-foot-high poles. The ball used was heavy and made of leather, while players donned long-sleeved jerseys and caps.
The competition’s rules specified that each team should consist of eleven players with no substitutions allowed. Matches were scheduled for 90 minutes, although these details were not explicitly defined in the Laws of the Game at the time. Extra time was not considered, and in the event of a draw after 90 minutes, the choice between a replay or both teams advancing to the next round was left to the organizing committee’s discretion. Initially, matches were officiated by two umpires, one from each team, but later rounds introduced the inclusion of a neutral referee following disputes over the rules.
Despite the primitive conditions, the Wanderers emerged as the victors with a 1-0 score, etching their names into history as the inaugural FA Cup champions. The winning goal was scored by Morton Peto Betts, who competed under the pseudonym ‘A.H. Chequer.’
As the tournament progressed, changes in the laws of the game were introduced. While the laws of 1871 were primarily applied, the laws of 1872, which introduced corner kicks and free kicks for handball, were used in the final and the semi-final replay between Royal Engineers and Crystal Palace.
The FA Cup immediately captured the imagination of football fans and clubs across England, marking the start of a tradition that has endured for over a century. Clubs of all sizes and backgrounds have since vied for the prestigious trophy.
The First FA Cup of 1871-2 was more than just a football tournament; it was a pivotal moment that laid the foundation for the beautiful game we know and love today. Charles Alcock’s vision and the passion of those early football enthusiasts ensured that the FA Cup would become a cherished part of English football history, uniting communities and inspiring generations of players and fans. And so, the legend of the FA Cup was born, a tale of camaraderie, competition, and the enduring spirit of football.