Entry Criteria

Entry to the ACES National finals is widely regarded as the ultimate prize in junior football.

How to enter

Entry is invitation-only — here's the path from qualifying to kick-off

1. Check the criteria

League champions, county cup winners or defending champions? See if your team qualifies for an invitation.

2. Register your interest

Tell us about your team and your season. It takes two minutes and puts you on the ACES holding list.

3. We review & invite

The ACES team assesses every submission against the criteria and invites qualifying teams by email.

FA SanctionedRunning since 2009400+ teams each year

The most frequent question we get asked is how do we enter the prestigious competition? Here is a guideline for a better understanding of how to enter the event, without having to wait for a response from the ACES Team.

FAQs

Yes. Use the contact form on our website — for example, if you're looking good to win the league or the season hasn't finished yet, get in touch and we will put you on the ACES holding list.

Yes, if your champions cannot enter for any reason, then you will have the opportunity to represent your city/town.

Unfortunately, not. Only league affiliated teams are eligible to enter. For example no representative squads are allowed. Teams are considered based on their performance for the season leading up to the tournament.

This can happen if: (i) They play in different leagues within a county boundary; (ii) League champions, county cup winners are from the same town/city (other local cup competitions will be considered); (iii) For any league that covers more than 5 affiliated FA regions, a team must finish in the top 5 to reach the entry criteria. If two teams from the same city are in the top five only the highest ranked team will reach the required entry criteria.

Criteria for Entry

Defending National Champions
Winning the League (highest ranked division within any respective league e.g. Premier, Div1, Div A)
Any league that covers more than 5 affiliated FA Regions, Aces will allow more qualification places subject to individual circumstances.
County Cup
Local Cup Competitions

Please note: If spaces are still available when the above criteria has been reached then wild card entries may be given to teams who have not won any of the above. This is to evenly balance groups.

Notes

If your league is not completed, but you are looking to be likely winners please contact us to discuss a place.

Subsequently if you are interested in reserving a place but look like you will not reach the criteria for entry (all may not be lost!!!) Please contact us to register your interest to be placed on a reserve list. This can happen if we have for example last minute withdrawals etc.

If a team is playing in an older age group and wish to be considered for their actual age group, they must have finished in a top four position within the league they have competed in. Note this league must the highest ranked division within any respective league.

All Cities/Towns will be allowed a representative in the ACES i.e. If a team finished 5th in a multi-regional league but are deemed to be the strongest within their City/Town boundary, they will have the opportunity to request a place in the ACES if a place is available.

International teams are welcome to apply to play at the ACES. Acceptance to the competition will be solely at the discretion of ACES management.

On reaching the required entry criteria level the final decision on a team's entry will be solely at the discretion of ACES management.

Invited team info pack

Already invited? Download the team info pack with everything you need for tournament day.

View the team info pack

Has your club got what it takes?

Are you league champions or county cup winners in your town/city? Register your interest for the 2027 ACES Nationals.