As the traditional opening fixture of the English football season approaches, with the Community Shield due to be played between Manchester City and Arsenal at Wembley on Sunday, we take a quick look at the competition.
As the traditional opening fixture of the English football season approaches, with the Community Shield due to be played between Manchester City and Arsenal at Wembley on Sunday, we take a quick look at the competition. The Charity Shield, also known as the Community Shield, is an annual football match that marks the traditional curtain-raiser for the English football season. Played between the Premier League champions and the FA Cup winners, this prestigious fixture has a long and storied history. While many fans are familiar with the basics of the Charity Shield, there are some lesser-known facts that add an extra layer of intrigue to this storied event. Let’s explore six fascinating things you probably never knew about Football’s Charity Shield:
Origins in the 20th century
The Charity Shield was first contested in the early 20th century. The inaugural match took place in 1908 when the reigning Football League champions, Manchester United, faced the Southern League champions, Queens Park Rangers. The fixture aimed to raise funds for charitable causes, hence the name “Charity Shield.” Since 2002, the proceeds have been donated to community-based projects associated with football, giving the match a stronger community focus.
Shared titles and draws
In the event of a draw at the end of regulation time, the Charity Shield used to be shared by the two teams until 1993. Prior to penalty shootouts, the match was often replayed, giving both teams an opportunity to claim the trophy. Since 1993, penalty shootouts have decided the winner, providing a more definitive result and adding an exciting element of tension to the occasion.
A record 21 titles
Manchester United hold the record for the most Charity Shield titles, having won the competition 21 times. The Red Devils’ dominance in English football over the years is reflected in their impressive Charity Shield record. Their first victory came in 1908, and their most recent triumph was in 2016 when they defeated Leicester City.
Precedence over FA Cup
During World War II, the Charity Shield took on added significance. In 1941 and 1942, the Football League North and Football League South organized regional competitions, with the winners of each facing off in the War Cup North versus South Final. The winner of this match then played against the reigning Football League champions in the National War Cup Final, which essentially became the Charity Shield. The Charity Shield matches held during wartime were highly competitive and brought joy to football fans during a challenging period.
Wembley Tradition
Wembley Stadium has been the traditional home of the Charity Shield since 1974. Prior to that, the fixture was hosted at various venues, including Stamford Bridge and Maine Road (Manchester City’s old home ground). Wembley’s grandeur and capacity to host a significant number of fans made it the perfect setting for this high-profile event. The iconic stadium’s rich history and electrifying atmosphere add to the allure of the Charity Shield.
Shield vs. Trophy
In the past, the Charity Shield took the form of a physical shield, which the winning team would lift after victory. However, in 2008, the tradition of a shield was discontinued, and it was replaced by a more conventional trophy. The new design features a large silver football sitting on a plinth, capturing the essence of the competition as the season’s curtain-raiser.
