Non-league clubs across the country learned their knockout fate on Monday, September 28, 2026, as the Football Association officially confirmed the draw for the 2026-27 FA Trophy first round proper. A total of 64 teams were included in the hat following the conclusion of third round qualifying, creating 32 high-stakes fixtures scheduled to take place on Saturday, October 24, 2026.
The first round proper features surviving sides from Steps 3 and 4 of the National League System, with regional heavyweights, cup specialists, and historic debutants competing for progression and vital financial prize money. Step 2 clubs from the National League North and South will join the competition in the second round.
Historic Firsts and Notable Third Round Qualifying Highlights
Several clubs secured historic milestones to earn their place in Monday’s draw. Kent-based Deal Town reached the first round proper for the first time in their club history after navigating four preliminary rounds, including two penalty shoot-out wins. Manager Steve King’s side was rewarded with a home tie against Isthmian North leaders Hashtag United.
Redcar Athletic also achieved a maiden appearance in the first round proper following an 83rd-minute winner from Owen Burns to defeat Guisborough Town 1-0. Redcar first-team coach Paul Franklin praised his squad’s resolve as they booked a trip to face Northern Premier League outfit Ashton United.
Loughborough Students similarly made history by coming from behind to win 2-1 away at Stamford, earning a home tie against Stourbridge. Elsewhere in qualifying action, St Albans City impressed with a 4-1 victory over Bury Town backed by a first-half hat-trick from Kai Brown, setting up an away clash against Whitehawk. Bury advanced on penalties after surviving a dramatic comeback from Gainsborough Trinity, while Waltham Abbey earned their spot with a emphatic 7-1 triumph over AFC Croydon Athletic.
Full FA Trophy First Round Proper Draw
All 32 ties are listed below, scheduled for Saturday, October 24, 2026, with default 3:00 PM kick-off times subject to official club confirmation:
- Warrington Rylands v Guiseley
- Bury v Prescot Cables
- Workington v Cleethorpes Town
- Ashton United v Redcar Athletic
- Bridlington Town v Curzon Ashton
- Redditch United v Gloucester City
- Mickleover v Alfreton Town
- Anstey Nomads v Bromsgrove Sporting
- Evesham United v Halesowen Town
- Loughborough Students v Stourbridge
- Bourne Town v Banbury United
- Kettering Town v Quorn
- Egham Town v Uxbridge
- Erith Town v Burgess Hill Town
- Leatherhead v Eastbourne Borough
- Dartford v Three Bridges
- Whitehawk v St Albans City
- Aveley v Carshalton Athletic
- Enfield Town v Hanworth Villa
- Needham Market v Wingate & Finchley
- Hastings United v Waltham Abbey
- Berkhamsted v Cray Wanderers
- Faversham Town v Newmarket Town
- Deal Town v Hashtag United
- Takeley v Chertsey Town
- Didcot Town v Poole Town
- Taunton Town v Wimborne Town
- Gosport Borough v Chichester City
- Bath City v Frome Town
Prize Money Breakdown and Financial Incentives
The FA has allocated guaranteed financial rewards for every participating club at this stage of the competition. Winners in the first round proper will receive £3,000 from the FA prize fund, while losing teams will take home £775.
| Competition Round | Winner Prize | Loser Prize |
|---|---|---|
| First Round Proper | £3,000 | £775 |
| Second Round Proper | £3,750 | £1,000 |
| Third Round Proper | £4,500 | £1,250 |
| Fourth Round Proper | £5,250 | £1,500 |
| Fifth Round Proper | £6,000 | £1,750 |
| Quarter-Finals | £7,500 | £2,000 |
| Semi-Finals | £15,000 | £5,000 |
| Final Runner-Up | £30,000 | – |
| Final Winner | £60,000 | – |
Road to Wembley: Key Round Dates
Following the first round proper on October 24, the 32 winning clubs will advance to the second round proper on Saturday, November 14, 2026, when 48 Step 2 clubs from the National League North and South enter the draw. The 24 Step 1 clubs from the National League main division will join in the third round proper on Saturday, December 12, 2026.
The remaining key dates for the 2026-27 FA Trophy campaign include:
- Fourth Round Proper: Saturday, January 16, 2027
- Fifth Round Proper: Saturday, February 6, 2027
- Sixth Round Proper (Quarter-Finals): Saturday, March 6, 2027
- Semi-Finals: Saturday, April 3, 2027
- Final: Sunday, May 16, 2027 (Wembley Stadium)
