The South Challenge Cup featured 161 senior non-league clubs from the
Lowland Football League (16),
East of Scotland Football League (58),
South of Scotland Football League (12), and
West of Scotland Football League (75).The reserve teams of
Stirling University,
Caledonian Braves, and
Stranraer, as well as
Celtic B and
Rangers B, do not take part. Heston Rovers and Westerton United withdrew from the competition and their respective leagues after the initial draw was made. For the first time since 2015–16, the first and second rounds were regionalised, with north-east, south-east, south-west, and north-west sections each containing 40 or 41 clubs. The draw was unseeded, with matches proceeding to extra time and penalties if they were tied after 90 minutes. ==Calendar==