What is "community shield"?

The Community Shield, also known as the Charity Shield, is an annual football match played in England at the beginning of the football season. The match is between the winners of the Premier League and the winners of the FA Cup from the previous season. It is considered a prestigious event in English football and serves as the traditional curtain-raiser for the new season.

The Community Shield was first played in 1908, making it one of the oldest football competitions in England. The match was initially played between the Football League champions and the Southern League champions, but in 1921, it was changed to the Football League champions and the FA Cup winners. The purpose of the match was to raise funds for charity, hence the name Charity Shield. In 2002, the name was changed to the Community Shield to better reflect its charitable purpose.

The Community Shield is held at Wembley Stadium in London, which has been its home since 1974. The match is usually played a week before the start of the Premier League season, giving fans a taste of top-level football before the season officially kicks off. The match is played over 90 minutes, with the possibility of extra time and penalties if the score is tied at the end of regulation time.

The Community Shield is seen as an important match for the teams involved, as it gives them an opportunity to win silverware before the season begins. It is also a chance for teams to gauge their form and fitness ahead of the new season. Winning the Community Shield is seen as a positive omen for the upcoming season, as it can boost morale and confidence within the team.

Over the years, the Community Shield has produced some memorable matches and moments. One of the most famous matches in recent history was the 2018 edition, where Manchester City defeated Chelsea 2-0. It was Pep Guardiola's first Community Shield victory as Manchester City manager, and it set the tone for their record-breaking season in the Premier League.

The Community Shield has also seen some surprise winners over the years. In 2016, Leicester City stunned the football world by defeating Manchester United 2-1 to win the Community Shield. It was a sign of things to come for Leicester, as they went on to win the Premier League title that season in one of the greatest underdog stories in football history.

In addition to being a prestigious event in English football, the Community Shield also serves an important charitable purpose. The match raises funds for various charitable organizations, with proceeds going towards supporting grassroots football initiatives and other charitable causes. The Community Shield helps to showcase the positive impact that football can have on communities and the importance of giving back to those in need.

In recent years, the Community Shield has also been used as a platform to raise awareness of social issues. In 2020, the players of Arsenal and Liverpool took a knee before the match to show their support for the Black Lives Matter movement. The gesture was a powerful reminder of the influence that football can have in promoting social justice and equality.

Overall, the Community Shield is a unique and important event in English football. It brings together the best teams in the country for a competitive and entertaining match that sets the stage for the new season. The match not only provides fans with top-quality football but also raises awareness and funds for charitable causes, highlighting the positive impact that football can have on communities. The Community Shield is a tradition that has stood the test of time and continues to be a highlight of the English football calendar.