Base Charity Vase

The Bass Charity Vase was founded in 1889 in Burton upon Trent to raise funds for medical and hospital charities. The trophy donated by Lord Burton and Hamar Bass the great-grandsons of William Bass, the founder of the Bass Brewery, is made from gold and inscribed with the names of all previous winners. It is reputed to be one of the most valuable trophies in English football. The first final was played in 1890 and was won by Derby County, who remain as of 2023 the most successful club, with 20 titles.

Enderby Town, Ibstock Pennistone Rovers, Leicester Fosse/City, Loughborough, Moira United, and Whitwick Colliery have participated in the competition. The Fosse and Loughborough were first invited to compete in the Vase in 1893-94 and both were eliminated in the round 1. The following year the Fosse lost 2-1 to Burton Wanderers in the final. Although they did not win the competition during the Victorian era the Leicester Fosse/City have won the Vase on 6 occasions – 1909, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1982, and 2021. Loughborough AFC only played one more game in the competition in 1897 which they lost. Five other Leicestershire clubs won the Vase in twentieth century – Moira United (1947), Whitwick Colliery (1951), Ibstock Penistone Rovers (1968, 1969) , Enderby Town (1972), and Coalville Munition Girls in 1919. Ibstock were also finalists in 1972.

Over 130 years since the tournament began, the Bass Charity Vase match is now hosted almost exclusively by the only surviving professional football club in Burton upon Trent, Burton Albion. The trophy is presented to the winning club on the day of the match, and is displayed year-round at the nearby St George’s Park National Football Centre. It still continues on its original purpose, raising money for medical and hospital charities – as well as local community initiatives.

Winners and Runners-Up

Leicestershire Clubs’ Record in Bass Vase Finals

Notes: + Leicester won 3-1 on penalties