The competition is held in the spring term of each school year and progress through to the final is via an open draw.
To play in the competition, boys must be 19 years of age and under on 1 April immediately preceding the draw.
The trophy was presented by Andrew George Burney of East Antrim Hockey Club.
The first final took place on 22 April 1920 at the Ormeau Road grounds of North of Ireland Rugby & Cricket Club.
The final was marked by future Irish rugby union and cricket international A.C. Douglas of Royal Belfast Academical Institution scoring all six goals in his team's victory.