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

PLAY-OFF DATES

April 19, 2025
Following the conclusion of the regular playing season in the Premier Division on Saturday, we can confirm the promotion play-offs will take place as follows: April 22 - AFC Stoneham (1) v (1) Andover New Street (7.45pm) - ANS won 4-3 on penalties April 23 - Fareham Town (2) v (0) Hamble Club (7.45pm) Play-Off Final Saturday, April 26 - Fareham Town v Andover New Street (at Cams Alders, 3pm k.o) BUY PLAY-OFF FINAL TICKETS HERE - £8 adults/ £4 concessions/ U16 free accompanied by an adult; £1 unaccompanied ________________________ Division One dates as follows: April 29 - (2nd v 5th) - 7.45pm k.o April 30 - (3rd v 4th) - 7.45pm k.o May 3 - (Final @ venue of club finishing highest in regular season) - 3pm k.o The final round of matches in Division One takes place on April 26.

PURPS HAMPSHIRE SENIOR CUP TRIUMPH

April 16, 2025
AFC Stoneham claimed the Servio Hampshire Senior Cup with a 3-0 victory over Wessex League rivals, AFC Portchester, in front of 675 at AFC Totton's Snows Stadium on Tuesday evening. Goals from Oliver Jenkins, Oliver Fee and Mat Bainbridge - all inside an eleven minute spell in the first half - put the Purps into what turned out to be an unassailable advantage against the Premier Division champions, to give James Phillips' side their first Senior Cup victory in the club's 106-year history. The two sides meet once more in the final of the Russell Cotes Cup on May 8 at Stoneham Lane, with AFC Stoneham winning the toss to decide the venue. Our congratulations to all AFC Stoneham! Photo: Robin Caddy

CUP FINAL TICKETS

April 11, 2025
We are pleased to share that advance tickets for the Velocity Wessex League Cup final - between AFC Portchester and Hamble Club on May 5 - are now available to buy online. Priced £8 (adults), £4 (concessions) and £10 for a family ticket of an adult and up to two children. Just click the poster below to be redirected to the ticketing website:

NEW MILTON CLAIM DIVISION ONE CROWN

April 9, 2025
New Milton Town are Velocity Wessex League Division One champions for 2024/25. The Brickmakers came from behind at Hamworthy United to claim a 3-2 victory amid late drama at the County Ground on Tuesday night - Brad Snelling with the title-winning effort at the death. It's been a huge turn around in fortunes at the M.A. Hart Stadium, with the New Forest side finishing nineteenth only 12 months prior. Our congratulations to all at New Milton Town, who make a return to Step 5 for the first time since 2012/13. 

ROYALS ARE CHAMPIONS!

April 9, 2025
AFC Portchester have won the Velocity Wessex League Premier Division title following their 1-0 victory at Cowes Sports on Tuesday night. Marley Ridge's strike on 78 minutes proved to be decisive for Gav Spurway's side, who will grace Step 4 for the first time in the club's relatively short history.

SOUTHAMPTON SENIOR CUP FINAL

April 3, 2025
AFC Stoneham will face Millbrook in the final of the Southampton Senior Cup. The Premier Division rivals will go head-to-head at St Mary's Stadium on Wednesday, May 14 (7.30pm). The Purps earned their place with a 5-1 victory over plucky Hampshire Premier League outfit, Broughton, while Millbrook overcame Brockenhurst by the odd goal in three. SOUTHAMPTON SENIOR CUP - ROUTE TO THE FINAL We await details of admission on the night - please keep an eye out on our socials for this information.
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