We are delighted to announce that we have been invited to take part in the UEFA-sanctioned Fenix Trophy, an invite-only competition for semi-professional and amateur clubs across Europe. The tournament’s catchment is driven towards clubs with a strong community focus, social purpose, and an innovative approach to the future of the game.
The upcoming 24/25 season will be the fourth season that the Fenix Trophy has taken place, and will be only the second time that the Swans have competed in Europe, following our 1973 Barassi Cup campaign against Italian outfit A.C. Jesolo.
Last season the tournament was won by Northern Premier League side FC United of Manchester, who beat Prague Raptors in the final. Prague Raptors were also beaten in the final in the previous year, losing to FC Skjold of Copenhagen at the iconic San Siro stadium. This season’s finals weekend is once again scheduled to take place in Italy, at a currently unspecified venue in May.
The Swans are not the only English club taking part this season, with both FC United of Manchester and Bury FC also invited to participate. The full list of the 16 clubs invited to compete in the 24/25 Fenix Trophy is as follows:
- Walton & Hersham (ENG)
- FC United of Manchester (ENG)
- Bury FC (ENG)
- Llantwit Major (WAL)
- Caledonian Braves (SCO)
- Koninklijle Berchem Sport (BEL)
- Prague Raptors FC (CZE)
- BK Skjold (DEN)
- Gilla FC (FIN)
- Athletic Sonnenberg (GER)
- Brera FC (ITA)
- FK Fans United (MON)
- Gamle Oslo FK (NOR)
- Klub Piłkarski Bór (POL)
- Venus Bucuresti (ROM)
- FK Miljakovac (SRB)
Competition format
The competition follows the traditional European format, with two-legged knockout ties taking place from the outset. The competition will commence with a First Round tie between sides, with both legs to take place some time between September and December, at dates mutually decided both clubs. The Second Round will commence from January onwards, and conclude by April.
Following the conclusion of the Second Round, there will be a ‘Finals Weekend’ held in May, with the remaining four teams battling it out over an extended weekend in a one-legged semi-final and final for Fenix Trophy glory.
The First Round draw is currently scheduled to take place at the beginning of next week, with the Swans seeded to face one of the following teams:
- Koninklijle Berchem Sport – Antwerp, Belgium
- Prague Raptors FC – Prague, Czechia
- BK Skjold – Copenhagen, Denmark
- Gilla FC – Helsinki, Finland
- Athletic Sonnenberg – Cheimnitz, Germany
- Brera FC – Milan, Italy
- Gamle Oslo FK – Oslo, Norway
- Klub Piłkarski Bór – Oborniki Śląskie, Poland
- Venus Bucuresti – Bucharest, Romania
All games across the entire competition will be live-streamed on YouTube by YourInstantReplay, Walton & Hersham’s official filming and broadcast partner.
Match scheduling
Once the draw has taken place, we will work with our First Round opponents to find suitable fixture dates. The first match of the first leg will likely take place in September, with the second leg likely taking place sometime between October and December.
More specific details regarding our matches and the tournament will be published in due course.
Make sure to keep up to date with all information regarding the Fenix Trophy by following @FenixTrophy on Twitter/X and Instagram, and by staying tuned to Walton & Hersham official channels.
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For any enquiries, please email info@waltonhershamfc.com
