Silverware has new sponsor!

The FA named Buildbase on Monday after announcing they'd reached an agreement with the nationwide builders merchants to become the new title sponsor of both the FA Trophy and FA Vase.

The 2016-17 campaign will see 276 clubs bidding to reach next May's final at Wembley, with Ryman North and Ryman South clubs now entering the Buildbase FA Trophy's Preliminary Round over the weekend of Saturday 8 October.

In a statement confirming the end of their sponsorship with Carlsberg, running for nearly a decade since the brewers took over from Umbro for the 2007-08 competition, FA chief executive Martin Glenn said the game's governing body was looking forward to the start of a successful new era promoting Non-League with new partners Buildbase.

Glenn said: “The FA Trophy and The FA Vase are important competitions for football in this country; for the clubs, their local communities and of course their players and fans. We are delighted to welcome Buildbase as the new title partner of both competitions.

“There was a great deal of interest from brands to partner with these unique competitions; however from the outset it was evident that Buildbase shared our passion for Non-League football and its two showpiece tournaments.”

Buildbase CEO Kate Tinsley said: “Grassroots is the heartbeat of English football and we are delighted to put our name to these two brilliant cup competitions. The Vase and the Trophy both exemplify the spirit and passion of the national game.

"At the heart of the community, football clubs mean a lot to people in the area and beyond. This local spirit runs throughout our business as branches recognise the value of investing in and being part of their communities."

She added: "We look forward to actively supporting the teams involved in the two competitions throughout the season and we can’t wait to get started."

Last season marked the first combined Non-League Finals Day at Wembley Stadium in May with both the FA Trophy and Vase broadcast live on BT Sport.

The idea is set to be repeated again this season after more than 45,000 fans flocked to the national stadium to enjoy a carnival atmosphere as Morpeth Town beat Hereford 4-1 to claim the Vase before underdogs FC Halifax Town overcame Grimsby Town 1-0 to lift the FA Trophy.

Image courtesy of TheFA.com

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