A CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

December 22, 2024

As we come to the end of my first six months as the chair of the Velocity Wessex League, it is time to reflect on the season 2024-25 so far.

The weather has been kind to us so far and most clubs have completed close to half of their league programme. Both the Premier Division and Division One have competitive battles at both the top and bottom of the tables and I am sure that the race for the title and play-off positions will be interesting right up to the final games.

Special congratulations are offered to the three teams that remain in the FA Vase, namely AFC Stoneham, Andover New Street and Fareham Town. Whilst they all face difficult away ties on January 11, everyone in the League wishes them well and hope they can carry the Velocity Wessex League flag into the next round.

Off the field, focus for clubs will have to be achieving FA ground accreditation by March 31, 2025. There is the threat of relegation for clubs that do not achieve accreditation, and the league do not want to lose any club on this basis, so please can I ask clubs to focus on getting the required work finished in good time so that promotion and relegation is only decided as it should be, on the field.

If you require any assistance regarding ground accreditation, please do not hesitate to contact Ian Harley or myself.

As we reach the end of 2024, I would like to thank my fellow league officers for the work they do on behalf of the league, and the time spent and knowledge they have to offer clubs does not go unnoticed.

I would particularly like to thank the league secretary Steve Smith for his work and dedication to the role, and he has helped make my transition into the Chairman’s role go smoothly. As I thank the officers, I would like to pay tribute to the League President Dennis Challis who sadly passed away following a short illness recently.

Dennis was a font of knowledge and support for me, and our thoughts are with his wife Val and his family at this time.

I also thank and acknowledge the support of Joe, Will and the team at Velocity Sports, our main sponsor. Without their financial backing it would make running the league harder for both the league officers and clubs.

I would also like to thank all club officers and volunteers for the work that they do to keep all clubs functioning to the standard required of a club within the FA’s National League System, it is appreciated.

Finally, I would like to wish everyone in the Velocity Wessex League 'family' a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy 2025.

Nick Taplin

Chairman

Velocity Wessex League

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MERCHANDISE SPONSOR ADDED

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We are delighted to announce Badgeman Limited as our Official Merchandise Supplier on a two-year agreement. As a preferred supplier, Badgeman can offer all football related merchandise such as hats, scarfs, mugs, pin badges, keyrings, pennants, stickers and towels as well as flags, banners, sponsorship banners, corner flags, printed gazebos and much more.

NEWPORT ARE BACK HOME

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Newport IoW were back on 'home' turf on Tuesday night, with the inaugural fixture at their new WightFibre Park ground.

LEAGUE CUP SPONSOR CONFIRMED

August 22, 2026

We are thrilled to announce Industrial Boiler Services as the new sponsor of the Wessex League Cup for the next three seasons. The competition will be known as the 'Industrial Boilers Wessex League Cup'.

WELCOME SCORZA

August 15, 2026

We’re delighted to welcome Scorza as the Wessex League’s new Performance Partner. Scorza's wearable technology helps footballers turn their existing Apple Watch or Garmin into a football-specific performance tracker, providing insights including distance, sprints, heatmaps and heart-rate data. The new 2026/27 Laws of the Game permit players to wear a smartwatch in matches, provided it is not dangerous and is safely and securely covered. This means the smartwatch you already own can be turned into a pro tracker.

PREMIER LEAGUE STADIUM FUND

August 6, 2026

The Wessex League is encouraging its member clubs to explore the opportunities available through the Premier League Stadium Fund , which continues to invest in improving football facilities across England and Wales. Having invested more than £226 million into over 1,000 clubs , the Premier League Stadium Fund is helping transform the non-league matchday experience by supporting projects that enhance facilities for players, volunteers and supporters alike. Funding is available for a wide range of projects, including floodlights, spectator accommodation, pitch improvements, changing facilities, barriers and other essential infrastructure that helps clubs meet ground grading requirements and provide a better environment for their local communities. Clubs considering improvements to their facilities are urged to engage with the Fund at the earliest opportunity to discuss their project and determine eligibility. Investment in facilities not only strengthens clubs on matchdays but also helps secure their long-term future, enabling them to grow participation, improve accessibility and continue serving their local communities for years to come. For further information and to begin an application, visit the Premier League Stadium Fund website or speak to your County FA or League representative for guidance. Premier League Stadium Fund - Poster

STONEHAM LIFT CHARITY CUP

July 25, 2026

AFC Stoneham have started the season where they left off the last - collecting more silverware in the form of the Wessex League Charity Cup, following a 3-1 success over Hamble Club. Proceeds from the occasion supported the Geoff Smith Legacy Fund - supporting young children in local communities on their football journeys, set-up in memory of the long-serving AFC Stoneham Chairman who sadly passed away in May. Kian Towse and Braydon Douglas gave the hosts a 2-0 advantage into the interval, before Harry Hamilton pulled one back for the League Cup winners without around ten left to play.