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

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.

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

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 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.

The Velocity Wessex League are pleased to announce that the annual Football related Trade Show and General Meeting will be held at Eastleigh FC, Silverlake Stadium, Stoneham Lane, Eastleigh, SO50 9HT on Thursday, March 26, 2026 from 6-9pm. The event will be similar to last year's format with hopefully an increase in the number of football related exhibitors for Club representatives to talk to and discuss their requirements. A General Meeting will commence at 7.30pm, all Clubs must attend with each Club expected to send up to three delegates, two of whom should be the Chairman and Secretary, the Agenda will be distributed nearer the time. A complimentary buffet will be provided and each Club will be given a free Velocity Wessex League match ball on departure.

The annual Football v Homophobia Month of Action will be held in February 2026, in what is also LGBT+ History Month; every year, hundreds of FvH Champions amplify the anti-discrimination campaign’s message; find out why and how you can be part of it. Sign up for the FvH Month of Action here ‘Football for Everyone’ – it’s a simple message, but one that bears repeating. Since 2010, this has been the slogan of the Football v Homophobia campaign, which raises awareness of the damage caused by discrimination at all levels of the game. February is the annual FvH Month of Action , during which clubs, leagues, teams, fan groups and organisations are encouraged to focus their efforts and make a difference. Hundreds sign up to be FvH Champions at this time every year to help amplify the campaign’s message and reaffirm a commitment to creating safe and welcoming football spaces for all. See the list of 2025 Champions here , and those who have so far signed up to be 2026 Champions . Everyone can play their part. FvH makes free resources and assets available, and you can purchase items including T-shirts, flags, match balls, captains’ armbands and badges from the FvH Shop . So why is Football v Homophobia an important initiative to support in 2026? Here are 10 reasons why stepping up to be an FvH Champion makes sense… 

We can confirm play-off dates for 2025/26 are as follows: PREMIER DIVISION Last game of the season Saturday, 18th April 2nd v 5th - Tuesday, 21st April (7.45pm k.o) 3rd v 4th - Wednesday, 22nd April (7.45pm k.o) FINAL - Saturday, 25th April (3pm k.o) DIVISION ONE Last game of the season Saturday, 25th April 2nd v 5th - Tuesday, 28th April (7.45pm k.o) 3rd v 4th - Wednesday, 29th April (7.45pm k.o) FINAL - Saturday, 2nd May (3pm k.o) As normal in the play-offs, play-off ties will take place at the ground of the club finishing highest in the regular season.

The Velocity Wessex League extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends and team mates of Billy Vigar, following the 21-year-old's recent passing. The former Arsenal academy striker was placed into an induced coma after suffering a serious brain injury while playing for Chichester City FC, and tragically passed away in hospital. We fully support member clubs who wish to observe a minute of silence - or applause - ahead of their games this weekend, as a mark of respect and in tribute to Billy.

The draw for the first round of the Isuzu FA Vase has taken place with our 14 remaining Wessex League sides featuring as follows: AFC Aldermaston v Infinity Amesbury Town v Highworth Town Bearsted v Cowes Sports Bridgwater United v Hythe & Dibden Cirencester Town v Millbrook Cove v Snodland Town Downton v Sidmouth Town Ivybridge v Totton & Eling Malmesbury Victoria v Portland United Penzance v Hamworthy Recreation Reading City v Baffins Milton Rovers Sherborne Town v Hamworthy United Whitchurch United v Windsor & Eton Ties to be played on Saturday, October 18. Prize money of £825 goes to the round winners, with £250 to the losing sides. The full draw can be viewed here . Article Photo: Baffins Milton Rovers and Hythe & Dibden both face away tasks in the Vase draw at Reading City and Bridgwater Town respectively (Photo: Ian Grainger)

Laverstock & Ford are our Premier Division 'Club of the Month' for August, following their exploits in the FA Cup, with progression into the second round qualifying. Liam McConnell's side also enjoyed progression in the FA Vase with victory at US Portsmouth, and commenced their League campaign with a 5-0 success over Baffins Milton Rovers.

Laverstock & Ford fly the Velocity Wessex League flag in the Emirates FA Cup, with the Bulldog's 2-1 win at Hythe & Dibden earning a local derby against Salisbury in the second round qualifying. Liam McConnell's side came from behind to advance - and equal the club's best ever season in the Cup - courtesy of strikes from Archie Lovegrove and Chae Sykes which cancelled out Ollie Davies free-kick for the hosts. LISTEN - HEAR LIAM MCCONNELL'S FA CUP REACTION ON THE WESSEX LEAGUE PODCAST

Hythe & Dibden will host Laverstock & Ford in an intriguing all-Wessex League tie, after the Premier Division rivals were drawn together in the FA Cup first round qualifying. It's a third home outing on the spin for Hythe, who have already dispatched fellow Wessex League sides Portland United and New Milton Town on their own patch to reach this stage for only the second time. Meanwhile the Bulldogs needed a replay and penalties to edge past Cowes Sports in the extra preliminary stage, before an impressive 2-0 victory on the road at former Wessex League champions, Horndean - now plying their trade in the Isthmian South Central. Laverstock have reached the first round qualifying in three of the last four seasons - and will be looking to emulate 2022/23 when they went one better, bowing out at the second round qualifying stage by a single goal at Taunton Town. AFC Stoneham are our third representative in the draw - they travel to Southern League Premier South side, Hungerford Town, following home victories over Fleet Town and Paulton Rovers (main picture). The Purps have also previously reached a club-best of the second round qualifying in each of the last two campaigns, with identical 1-7 defeats at higher-ranked Yeovil Town and Salisbury, respectively. Winners of the ties on August 30 will receive £2,250, with the losers netting £750. FA CUP - FIRST ROUND QUALIFYING - DRAW IN FULL Article Photo: Robin Caddy

As part of the recent changes to the Laws of the Game (2025/26) approved by IFAB in March, the “Only the Captain” protocol will be applied across all competitions in England starting from the new season. Purpose and Rationale The protocol is designed to strengthen respect between players and referees by formalising that only the team captain may approach the referee to discuss key decisions. The aim is to reduce incidents of mobbing, dissent, and intimidation of match officials — improving the environment for everyone involved in the game. Key Points Normal, respectful interactions with referees are still permitted; however, dissent (by word or action) remains a yellow card offence — even for captains. Only the captain from each team is allowed to approach the referee on major decisions. Captains are responsible for ensuring teammates stay away from the referee during these moments. Referees may delay the restart to allow captains to communicate messages back to their teams if necessary. Additional Details If the goalkeeper is the team captain, an outfield player must be nominated to fulfil this role for referee interactions. A “captain-only zone” of 4 metres will be established around the referee; no other players are permitted within this area. Any non-captain entering this zone should be cautioned for dissent by action. If multiple players enter, at least one must be cautioned, and the incident will be reported to the relevant authorities. Competition organisers are encouraged to introduce sanctions for repeated breaches across the season. National Implementation This protocol will be implemented consistently across: All professional competitions The National League Pyramids County FA-administered football Our approach is to create alignment and consistency from the top tiers to grassroots , improving behaviour towards match officials at every level. Education and Communication We are currently rolling out education for referees, County FAs, Referee Development Officers, and other stakeholders to ensure clear understanding and consistent application. Clarification for Youth, Veterans, Disability, and Grassroots Levels Although IFAB have included an arm signal to initiate the protocol at these levels, in England we will not adopt this . Referees will manage the protocol themselves, using their existing match management skills. If you have any questions or would like to discuss the details further, please don’t hesitate to get in touch through refereedevelopment@thefa.com Article Photo: Ian Grainger

The Emirates FA Cup made a welcome return to Velocity Wessex League club schedules on Saturday, however it proved to be a challenging afternoon for many, with four of our sides guaranteeing themselves a Preliminary Round place on August 16. Last season's Premier Division runners-up, AFC Stoneham, were looking to emulate last season's run to the Second Round Qualifying - with the Purps once again overcoming Fleet Town, 2-0 and booked another home date with Paulton Rovers next. FA CUP - FIXTURES & RESULTS (Wessex League only) Christchurch overcame returning Wessex side, Bemerton Heath Harlequins 3-0 at Hurn Bridge and will have home comforts once more in the Preliminary Round against Tadley Calleva, while in other all-Wessex affairs, New Milton Town came away from Andover New Street with a solitary goal to nil victory to set-up a meeting with Hythe & Dibden - themselves beating Portland United 3-1.

The Velocity Wessex League Charity Cup sees Premier Division winners, AFC Portchester, take on fellow cup finalists, Hamble Club at the OnSite Group Stadium on July 26 (3pm). CHARITY CUP - PROGRAMME DOWNLOAD This year proceeds from the curtain raising fixture will go to our charity partner, YoungMinds, who champion mental health and wellbeing amongst young people.

The Velocity Wessex League are delighted to announce YoungMinds as its official Charity Partner for the 2025/26 season. YoungMinds is the UK’s leading charity focusing on improving young people's mental health, in addition to raising awareness of mental health, suicide, self harm and social media abuse. Their mission is to see a world where no young person feels alone with their mental health, and all young people get the mental health support they need, when they need it, no matter what. Hundreds of thousands of young people are struggling with their mental health, but too many are being told to wait, struggling to cope and hitting a crisis point before they get help. But things can get better - with YoungMinds leading the movement for change, providing young people with the tools to look after their mental health while empowering adults to be the best support they can be to the young people in their lives.

The Premier Division gets under way on July 29, with the first three rounds of fixtures released, alongside the opening weekend of Division One, which commences on August 2: Tuesday 29th July PREMIER DIVISION Brockenhurst v Petersfield Town Cowes Sports v Baffins Milton Rovers Hamworthy Recreation v Millbrook Wincanton Town v Bournemouth Saturday 2nd August EMIRATES FA CUP EXTRA PRELIMINARY ROUND [Ties scheduled for release on Friday 4 July] DIVISION ONE AFC Aldermaston v Folland Sports Alresford Town v Totton & Eling Amesbury Town v Clanfield Ash United v Blackfield & Langley Colden Common v Lymington Town Cove v Frimley Green Fleetlands v Kintbury Rangers Hamworthy United v Fawley AFC Ringwood Town v United Services Portsmouth Romsey Town v Newport IOW Whitchurch United v Yateley United Tuesday 5th August VELOCITY WESSEX LEAGUE CUP FIRST ROUND Romsey Town v AFC Stoneham PREMIER DIVISION Baffins Milton Rovers v East Cowes Victoria Bournemouth v Brockenhurst Christchurch v Hamworthy Recreation Downton v Bemerton Heath Harlequins Millbrook v Cowes Sports Hythe & Dibden v Hamble Club Petersfield Town v Andover New Street New Milton Town v Laverstock & Ford Wincanton Town v Portland United Saturday 9th August PREMIER DIVISION AFC Stoneham v Wincanton Town Brockenhurst v Hamworthy Recreation Cowes Sports v Bournemouth Downton v Petersfield Town East Cowes Victoria v Bemerton Heath Harlequins Hythe & Dibden v Christchurch Laverstock & Ford v Baffins Milton Rovers Millbrook v New Milton Town Portland United v Hamble Club Sherborne Town v Andover New Street Update: Full season fixtures for the Premier Division were released on June 29 - you can view them on Full-Time here . DOWNLOAD THE FIRST EDITION NEWSLETTER FOR 2025/26

The draw for the early rounds of the Velocity Wessex League Cup will take place on Sunday (June 22), live on the Radio Show between 2-4pm. Ten ties will be drawn at the First Round stage, with 22 byes; Ball numbers as follows: 1. AFC ALDERMASTON 2. AFC STONEHAM 3. ALRESFORD TOWN 4. AMESBURY TOWN 5. ANDOVER NEW STREET 6. ASH UNITED 7. BAFFINS MILTON ROVERS 8. BEMERTON HEATH HARLEQUINS 9. BLACKFIELD & LANGLEY 10. BOURNEMOUTH 11. BROCKENHURST 12. CHRISTCHURCH 13. CLANFIELD 14. COLDEN COMMON 15. COVE 16. COWES SPORTS 17. DOWNTON 18. EAST COWES VICTORIA 19. FAWLEY AFC 20. FLEETLANDS 21. FOLLAND SPORTS 22. FRIMLEY GREEN 23. HAMBLE CLUB 24. HAMWORTHY REC 25. HAMWORTHY UNITED 26. HYTHE & DIBDEN 27. KINTBURY RANGERS 28. LAVERSTOCK & FORD 29. LYMINGTON TOWN 30. MILLBROOK 31. NEW MILTON TOWN 32. NEWPORT IOW 33. PETERSFIELD TOWN 34. PORTLAND UNITED 35. RINGWOOD TOWN 36. ROMSEY TOWN 37. SHERBORNE TOWN 38. TOTTON & ELING 39. US PORTSMOUTH 40. WHITCHURCH UNITED 41. WINCANTON TOWN 42. YATELEY UNITED First & Second Round Draw - Updated There will be a different name on the trophy this season, with League and Cup double winners, AFC Portchester (pictured), gaining promotion to the Isthmian South Central. Dates for the ties drawn will be confirmed in due course. The League campaign gets under way on Saturday, August 2 for both the Premier Division and Division One, with fixtures released at the end of June for the Premier Division, and mid-July for Division One (owing to ground shares). Photo: Robin Caddy