Inspired by the success of the FA Cup, in 1877 the FAW ran the inaugural Welsh Cup competition. The trophy was intended to raise the standard of play and organisation of football in Wales. As such English border clubs were invited to participate. The prominent north–south divide within Wales meant that the association did not set up a national league. By the twentieth century Wales’s senior clubs were competing in English league competitions thus relegating the lower standard and less glamorous Welsh Cup in importance. The allocation of a place in the European Cup Winners Cup from 1960 did boost interest in the competition but it has remained secondary in the priorities of Wales’ leading clubs.