The 48 teams that play in the FA Women's National League Division One (tier 4) are given exemption until third round qualifying.
[3] The competition started at the first round qualifying stage with games played on 1 September 2024, and made up of teams from outside the top five tiers of the women's football pyramid.
This round included the introduction of 48 teams from the fourth-tier FA Women's National League Division One.
This round included the introduction of 24 teams from the third-tier FA Women's National League Premier Division.
The 20 matches in the third round proper were scheduled to be held on 8 December 2024, and included the introduction of 11 teams from the second-tier Women's Championship.