The Community Shield is an annual football match in England, played between the winners of the previous season’s Premier League and the FA Cup. It serves as a curtain-raiser for the English football season and is organized by The Football Association (FA). Proceeds from the match are donated to community-based initiatives and charities, emphasizing its role in promoting philanthropy alongside football excellence.
History
The Community Shield, originally known as the Charity Shield, was first contested in 1908. It replaced the Sheriff of London Charity Shield, a competition between the professional and amateur football champions. The inaugural match was played between Manchester United, the winners of the First Division, and Queens Park Rangers, the Southern League champions. After a drawn match, Manchester United secured the title in a replay.
Over the years, the Community Shield has evolved, becoming a prestigious symbol of domestic success. It has often been held at Wembley Stadium, considered the home of English football, although alternative venues have been used during renovations or other scheduling conflicts.
Match Format
- The match pits the winners of the Premier League against the winners of the FA Cup from the previous season.
- If the same team wins both the Premier League and the FA Cup, the league runners-up participate in the match.
- The match duration is 90 minutes, and in case of a draw, it proceeds directly to a penalty shootout—there is no extra time.
Notable Records
Most Titles Won
- Manchester United: Holds the record for the most Community Shield titles, with over 20 victories.
- Arsenal and Liverpool also boast impressive records, with numerous wins to their names.
Highest-Scoring Matches
- The 1911 match between Manchester United and Swindon Town ended 8–4, making it the highest-scoring Community Shield match.
Consecutive Wins
- Manchester United, Arsenal, and Liverpool have all achieved consecutive wins in the competition at various points in history, reflecting their dominance in English football.
Recent Champions
| Year | Winner | Runner-Up | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Arsenal | Manchester City | 1–1 (4–1 pens) |
| 2022 | Liverpool | Manchester City | 3–1 |
| 2021 | Leicester City | Manchester City | 1–0 |
| 2020 | Arsenal | Liverpool | 1–1 (5–4 pens) |
| 2019 | Manchester City | Liverpool | 1–1 (5–4 pens) |
Significance
The Community Shield is more than just a football match; it is a celebration of the English football community and a nod to the charitable spirit that underpins the sport. It provides fans with an exciting glimpse of their teams before the official season begins while supporting philanthropic initiatives.
External Links
The Champions of the Community Shield represent the pinnacle of domestic football success in England, blending sporting achievement with community impact.
