The Football League Community Cup and Girls Cup

Ever dreamt of playing at Wembley Stadium on one of the biggest days of the sporting calendar?

Each season The Football League organises two cup competitions for junior footballers from schools across the country, with the finals being played at the home of English football in the build-up to some of the biggest matches of the domestic season.

The Football League Community Cup is a six-a-side competition for under-11 schoolchildren that culminates in three finals across the Coca-Cola Football League Play-Off weekend in May. The Football League Girls Cup is for under-13 teams and is played along similar lines, with a Wembley final played prior to the Johnstone's Paint Trophy Final in the spring.

Each season more than 2,500 schools take part in the two competitions. Last season, schools representing Tranmere Rovers and Crystal Palace shared the Girls Cup, whilst schools representing Doncaster Rovers and Morecambe overcame schools representing Brighton & Hove Albion and Milton Keynes Dons in the League 1 and 2 sections of the Community Cup. In the Championship section, schools representing Barnsley and Cardiff City shared the Cup.

How do I get to Wembley?

The road to Wembley starts in September when the new school term starts. Each Football League club will be organising a local competition for all local schools wishing to take part.

The Football League encourages clubs, if weather permits, to play the final of their local competition at their home ground before a first team game. The winners of that competition then go on to represent the club in the regional phases of the competition, where they will face schools representing other League clubs.

In the Community Cup, the 72 clubs are split into 3 divisions, in line with club's divisional status. They are then split into two groups, north and south. The winners of the northern and southern finals will then qualify for Wembley and the chance to play before the Coca-Cola Football League Play-Off Final of the relevant division.

The Girls Cup, takes a slightly different route to get to the hallowed Wembley turf. Having found 72 schools to represent 72 clubs, they are then split into 8 area finals to find 8 winners. They then compete in a Regional Final on a North and South basis. The winners of the North and South regional finals then meet at Wembley as part of the pre-match entertainment for the Johnstone's Paint Trophy Final.

It's not just about the glory ...

The Football League understands that the glory of a Wembley final is great for everyone involved. However, The League is committed to ensuring that as many schools take part as possible.

Therefore, at every stage, there are some great prizes for schools to win, such as team kits and footballs. Of course, medals, trophies and certificates will be awarded so that participants can remember their achievement of taking part in one of the country's largest national football competitions.

How much does it cost to take part?

Absolutely nothing.

The Football League believes that costs should not be a barrier to us creating the next generation of stars and supporters. Furthermore, for schools winning through to the Area and Regional finals and beyond, The Football League will help with expenses to ensure that cost does not prevent them competing on a National Level.

How does my school get involved?

Getting involved couldn't be simpler.

If you are a pupil, parent or teacher and want your school team to take part, then as soon as you get back to school, contact your local Football League Club Community Officer and ask them to send you information as to when their local competition will take place.

Contact details can be found on the club's website.

The Officer will then send you all the details you need to ensure that you and your friends do not miss the opportunity of earning that fantastic trip to Wembley.