The FA Youth Cup first round proper draw for the 2025-26 season took place on October 17, 2023. This event marks the entry of clubs from the EFL Leagues One and Two into the prestigious competition.
Competition Details
The first round proper consists of 40 matchups. These games are scheduled to occur throughout October, concluding by November 1, 2025. Before this round, several third-round qualifying ties are still pending completion.
Eligibility Criteria
Players eligible for the FA Youth Cup must have been born between September 1, 2007, and September 1, 2010. This age criterion ensures the competition remains focused on youth talent.
Upcoming Matches
The draw resulted in the following matchups:
- York City vs. Marine or Stockport Town
- Carlisle United vs. Blackpool
- Rotherham United vs. Huddersfield Town
- Tranmere Rovers vs. Harrogate Town
- Fleetwood Town vs. Stockport County
- Bolton Wanderers vs. Chester
- Macclesfield or Hartlepool United vs. Barnsley
- Doncaster Rovers vs. Radcliffe
- Bradford City vs. Stockton Town or North Ferriby
- FC Halifax Town vs. Oldham Athletic
- Wigan Athletic vs. Salford City
- Boldmere St Michaels vs. AFC Telford United
- Loughborough Students vs. Grimsby Town
- Chesterfield vs. Aylestone Park
- Milton Keynes Dons vs. Shrewsbury Town
- Northampton Town vs. Easington Sports
- Kidderminster Harriers vs. Mansfield Town
- Peterborough United vs. Lincoln City
- Burton Albion vs. Port Vale
- Crewe Alexandra vs. Notts County
- Walsall vs. AFC Rushden & Diamonds or AFC Dunstable
- Barnet vs. Luton Town
- Hertford Town vs. Gillingham
- Merstham vs. Tonbridge Angels
- Walton & Hersham vs. Burgess Hill Town
- Cambridge United vs. Slough Town
- Leyton Orient vs. Bromley
- Needham Market vs. Erith Town
- Cambridge City vs. Wingate & Finchley or Dorking Wanderers
- Bishop’s Stortford vs. Southend United
- Stevenage vs. Eastbourne Borough or Northwood
- AFC Wimbledon vs. Colchester United
- Hamble Club vs. Swindon Town
- Oxford City vs. Chippenham Town
- Cardiff City vs. Cheltenham Town
- Exeter City vs. Forest Green Rovers
- Wycombe Wanderers vs. Bristol Rovers
- Plymouth Argyle vs. Mangotsfield United
- Newport County vs. Tiverton Town
- Reading vs. Bracknell Town
Fans can look forward to an exciting series of matches as the competition unfolds. Keep an eye on El-Balad for updates regarding results and future fixtures of the FA Youth Cup.
