The FA Community Shield

Formerly known as the Charity Shield, The FA Community Shield is the traditional curtain-raiser to the domestic season between the League and FA Cup Champions.

The first Charity Shield match was played in 1908 between Manchester United, reigning Football League Champions, and Queens Park Rangers, then Southern League Champions. In 1974 FA Secretary Ted Croker proposed that the Shield should be played at Wembley as a curtain-raiser to the new season between the reigning League Champions and FA Cup holders.

Manchester United are the current Shield holders after beating Portsmouth at the Wembley Stadium 3- 1 after a 0-0 draw in normal time.