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

STONEHAM SEAL WEMBLEY DATE

April 4, 2026
AFC Stoneham are off to Wembley for the first time in their history after completing a 6-1 aggregate victory over Hallam in their FA Vase semi-final. Captain, Alex Welch scored twice in the first half and came agonisingly close to completing a hat-trick in added time. Tyrell Sampson did find a third midway through the second period, as the Purps took the second leg 3-1 in front of a club record gate of 851 at Stoneham Lane.

FA VASE SEMI-FINAL DRAW

March 2, 2026
The Isuzu FA Vase semi-final draw has seen Velocity Wessex League leaders, AFC Stoneham, paired with Bristol-based Hallen. 

AGM NOTICE

February 28, 2026
The Velocity Wessex League 2026 AGM will be held at AFC Totton, Snows Stadium, Salisbury Road, Totton, Southampton, SO40 2RW on Saturday, 20th June 2026 commencing at 11.00am. Clubs have one vote each and should be represented by the Chairman, Secretary and Team Manager or their deputies, plus an optional additional Club Representative is allowed to attend if required. Please be reminded of FA Rule 2.26 which states "Any Club failing to be represented throughout an Annual General Meeting without satisfactory reason being given will be fined in accordance with the Fines Tariff." The Agenda and any supporting documents will be circulated to member Clubs nearer the time.

PURPS INTO VASE QUARTERS

February 15, 2026
AFC Stoneham held their nerve to edge-out Haywards Heath Town on penalties and reach the FA Vase quarter finals for the first time. Duarte Martins put the Purps ahead early in the second half, before the hosts levelled through Henry Watson with six minutes remaining in front of 674 at Hanbury Park Stadium. However, Martins scored the decisive spot kick to continue Stoneham's run in the competition, and join fellow Wessex side, Downton in the last eight. Stoneham's victory sets-up a tie against United Counties League Premier Division South side, Coventry United. Downton meanwhile are also just two wins away from Wembley, reaching the quarter finals last week in beating Lymore Gardens 3-0 - they travel to SCEFL Premier Division side, Punjab United - ties to be played on February 28. Photo: Tommy McMillan

NON-LEAGUE DAY 2026

February 8, 2026
Grassroots football clubs across the country are preparing for one of the most anticipated days in the non-league calendar as Non-League Day 2026 on Saturday, March 28 . The annual event, founded in 2010 by James Doe to celebrate and promote community-run football, is designed to fall on a weekend during the football international break — giving fans of Premier League and Football League clubs without fixtures the chance to explore non-league action. Non-League Day encourages supporters to head to local grounds up and down the country to watch live matches, meet volunteers who run their local clubs and experience the unique atmosphere of grassroots football. Find Wessex League Fixtures On Non-League Day With hundreds of fixtures traditionally taking place at Step 1–6 levels of the football pyramid, clubs often use the day to offer special incentives such as reduced admission prices and community activities to draw in new fans. For many clubs, Non-League Day is more than just a matchday — it’s a chance to spotlight the heart and soul of English football, where volunteer efforts and local pride keep the game thriving far from television lights. Organisers and club officials alike are expected to unveil specific fixtures, offers and events in the weeks leading up to the event. As anticipation builds toward March 28, the non-league community is gearing up for a celebration of football in its purest form — one that brings supporters together, strengthens club-town bonds and champions the grassroots game at every level.

DOWNTON'S VASE DELIGHT!

February 8, 2026
Downton swept aside Eastern Counties League side, Lymore Gardens 3-0 to reach the last eight of the Isuzu FA Vase for the first time in the club's history. Sam Davidson gave the Robins the lead just before the break (photo below), before Brett Pitman's header made it two, four minutes into the second half.
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