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The 2020–21 FA Trophy (known for sponsorship reasons as the Buildbase FA Trophy) was the 52nd season of the FA Trophy, an annual football competition for teams at levels 5-8 of the English National League System. In a change in format from previous years, the competition consisted of three qualifying rounds, and seven proper rounds. Teams from level 8 entered into the first and second qualifying rounds, level 7 into the third qualifying round, level 6 (the National League North and National League South) into round 2, and level 5 (the National League) into round 3.[1]
All matches were in a single-match knockout format, with the winner decided by penalties if the match was drawn after 90 minutes, apart from the Final where the winner was decided by extra-time and penalties if the match was drawn.[2] This was a change from previous seasons where replays were used and where the semi-finals were scheduled as two-legged; the changes reflected the late start of the season due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom.[3] The final was a single-match held at Wembley Stadium.
The draw was made on 19 October 2020. Due to the withdrawal of Merthyr Town from the competition, there was an odd number of teams competing in this round. As a result, Willand Rovers were drawn to receive a bye to the first round proper.[14]
Bracknell Town awarded a walkover due to Cinderford Town withdrawing due to players having in contact with a person who has tested positive for COVID-19, and with two players experiencing symptoms.[17]
The draw was made on 2 November 2020.[20] Originally scheduled for 14 November 2020, the first round proper ties were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The draw was made on 9 December with ties scheduled to be played on 19 December. Stamford were awarded a bye due to the withdrawal of Macclesfield Town.[27]