The Community Shield, the traditional curtain-raiser to the English football season, was known as the FA Charity Shield from its founding in 1908 until 2002, when it was renamed following regulatory intervention.
Origins and the 2002 Rebrand
The competition was established in 1908 as a showcase match to raise money for good causes. It operated under the Charity Shield name for nearly a century before being officially renamed the FA Community Shield ahead of the 2002/03 season.
The change came after the Charity Commission intervened regarding how the event was run. The regulator found that the Football Association had failed to comply with statutory requirements under charity law, facing criticism over a lack of transparency regarding gate receipts and significant delays in distributing funds.
Broader Focus and Continued Donations
Rather than facing legal sanctions, the FA opted to change the competition's name to reflect a wider scope. The new identity allowed the organisation to support grassroots football projects alongside registered national charities.
Despite the name change, proceeds from the match continue to raise millions of pounds for good causes each year. Ticket revenue and commercial funds are shared among the 124 clubs that reached the FA Cup first round to support local community schemes.
Inaugural Champions and 2026 Match
Arsenal won the first edition under the new Community Shield banner in August 2002, defeating Liverpool 1-0 at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium.
This Sunday, August 16, Premier League champions Arsenal and FA Cup winners Manchester City will contest the 2026 Community Shield at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. The match kicks off at 3pm and will be broadcast live on TNT Sports, with coverage starting at 2pm. The fixture was moved from Wembley Stadium because it is hosting a series of pre-planned summer concerts, and it was removed from free-to-air TV in 2025, having previously been shown on ITV.
