Prior to 1974, football players were either professionals or they were amateurs. Professionals were paid to play by clubs whose entry into cup competitions was restricted to The FA Cup (or The FA Trophy) Amateurs, on the other hand, did not get paid and had their own cup competition, The FA Amateur Cup.

In 1974, with many of the top amateur players receiving payment for playing, The Football Association abolished the distinction, scrapped the Amateur Cup and introduced The FA Vase for the majority of clubs who had previously played in the Amateur Cup.

Well over 200 clubs entered in the first season (1974-75) and Hoddesdon Town of the Spartan League beat Epsom and Ewell of the Surrey Senior League 2-1 in the final at Wembley before a 9,000 crowd. In 1999, 446 clubs entered, with two qualifying rounds preceding the six proper rounds, semi-final and final.

Brigg Town beat AFC Sudbury 2-1 in the 2003 final at West Ham United's Upton Park.