The Football Association has described the Community Shield as "incomparable" to any other trophy, even as supporters continue to debate whether it qualifies as genuine silverware.

The FA recognises the one-off fixture as a domestic super cup — a match that "captures the excitement" of the approaching football season. "It has been highly regarded and supported by the participating clubs and football fans for many years," an FA spokesperson said.

England's three traditionally recognised major domestic trophies are the Premier League, the FA Cup, and the League Cup. The Community Shield sits outside that bracket in the eyes of many supporters, though opinions differ sharply depending on whether a fan's club is lifting the trophy.

A history stretching back to 1908

The competition traces its roots to the FA Charity Shield, itself evolved from the Sheriff of London Charity Shield. The first match was staged in 1908 at Stamford Bridge, where First Division champions Manchester United defeated Southern League champions Queens Park Rangers 4-0 in a replay after an initial 1-1 draw.

Manchester United remain the competition's most decorated club, having won it 21 times — four of those as shared titles. The trophy was renamed the Community Shield in 2002.

This year's edition takes place on Sunday, 16 August at 15:00 BST, when Premier League champions Arsenal face FA Cup winners Manchester City at Wembley.

Players and managers back its importance

Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres was quick to dismiss any suggestion the fixture is a glorified friendly. "Against City? As a friendly? What do you mean?" he told talkSPORT. "I don't know what other people think but of course, we want to win that game for sure. There is no question about that."

Ahead of the 2025 edition, former Liverpool manager Arne Slot highlighted the appeal of winning silverware before a ball is kicked in the league. "Normally you win something at the end of the season. Now we have a chance to win something at the beginning of the season," he said.

Former Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner, who guided the Eagles to their first-ever Community Shield last year, shared a similar view. "It's much better than playing friendlies," he said. "It's a chance to win a trophy and the chance to compete with the champions. When you have the chance to win silverware, then go for it, and we will go for it."

New faces looking to make their mark

Sunday's fixture also offers several players the chance to open their competitive accounts with their new clubs. Arsenal summer arrivals Bruno Guimaraes, the Brazil midfielder, and Greece forward Christos Tzolis could both make their competitive Gunners debuts against City.

On the opposite side, new Manchester City head coach Enzo Maresca faces his first major test since taking over from Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium. England international Elliot Anderson, who joined City from Nottingham Forest for £116 million, could make his competitive debut, while teenage winger Jeremy Monga — signed from Leicester City — may also feature in Maresca's plans.