Kick-Off with a Cause: All You Need to Know About the Charity Shield

The Charity Shield (Now FA Community Shield): Football’s Season Opener With a Purpose

As the summer winds down, football fans begin to ask: When’s the Charity Shield? While not a major trophy in the traditional sense, the match—now officially known as the FA Community Shield—holds a special place in the English football calendar. It’s not just the first competitive fixture of the season; it’s also one that gives back.

Whether you’re after Charity Shield tickets, wondering who plays in the Charity Shield, or curious about what time the Charity Shield is on, we’ve got all the answers—plus the reason why this match continues to matter for communities and causes across the country.

🏆 What Is the Charity Shield (FA Community Shield)?

The match formerly known as the Charity Shield was renamed in 2002 to the FA Community Shield to reflect its broader commitment—not just to national charities, but to grassroots football, local community projects, and county FAs across England.

It is a one-off football fixture between the Premier League champions and the FA Cup winners of the previous season. If one team wins both, the league runners-up take their place.

At its core, this is a match about giving back. All net proceeds go to charitable and community causes, making it unique in the footballing world.

⚽ Who Plays in the Charity Shield?

Each year, the Premier League winners face off against the FA Cup winners.
If one club secures both titles, the Premier League runners-up are invited.

So, who plays in the Charity Shield? It’s always a top-tier clash—one that gives fans an early glimpse at what’s to come in the new season.

💷 Where Does the Money Go?

The FA Community Shield is one of the few major sporting events where proceeds go directly to charitable work.

Funds raised from the match are distributed among:

• 124 FA County Associations to support grassroots football and coaching
• Local causes nominated by the participating clubs
• National charities focused on education, health, inclusion, and youth development

This makes attending or tuning in to the Charity Shield a way for fans to support not just their team, but real-world causes.

🎟️ Charity Shield Tickets: When and Where to Get Them

Charity Shield tickets are typically available from:

• The participating clubs’ official ticket portals
• The FA’s official website

Demand is high, especially as this match is both a competitive fixture and a charity event, so early booking is advised.

🗓️ When’s the Charity Shield in 2025?

The 2025 FA Community Shield is expected to be held on Sunday, August 3rd—one week before the Premier League season begins. This date will be officially confirmed by the FA in early summer.

⏰ What Time Is the Charity Shield?

Kick-off usually takes place around 4:00 PM BST, although it can vary slightly depending on TV scheduling.

📺 What Channel Is the Charity Shield On?

The match is typically shown live in the UK on:

• ITV or BBC One
• Sky Sports, depending on current rights agreements

It also streams on official platforms and attracts a global audience.

🏅 Is the Charity Shield a Major Trophy?

Is the Charity Shield a major trophy? Technically, it’s considered a minor honour compared to the Premier League, FA Cup, or European titles. However, it remains an official FA-sanctioned competition—and for players, it’s a chance to lift silverware before the season even starts.

📜 Charity Shield Winners List (Recent Years):

• 2024 – Manchester City
• 2023 – Arsenal
• 2022 – Liverpool
• 2021 – Leicester City
• 2020 – Arsenal

The Charity Shield winners list includes some of the biggest names in English football history.

❤️ Why It Still Matters

While some may view it as a glorified pre-season match, the FA Community Shield (or Charity Shield, as many still fondly call it) continues to make a real difference.

Proceeds fund:

• Youth football teams
• Disability sports programs
• Community mental health and inclusion initiatives
• Grassroots infrastructure and coaching

This is football at its best—competitive, entertaining, and impactful.

Final Whistle

So, what is the Charity Shield? It’s a game that marks the start of a new season, yes—but also one that celebrates football’s ability to bring people together and give back.

Whether you’re wondering what time is the Charity Shield, looking for tickets, or just browsing who plays in the Charity Shield this year, remember: this match is about more than just sport—it’s about support.

📳 Keep following The Charity Champion for updates—and if you’re feeling inspired, head to our Find Your Charity section to discover causes close to your heart.