LAURA SMITH WORKING WITH CLUBS
Roger Allen • February 5, 2021
Laura Smith is an F.A. Consultant who has recently started working with Sydenhams league clubs in order to create the best place for people to play and enjoy football. Focusing on “off pitch” activities, the F.A. programme is set up to support & advise clubs to develop their facilities, financial management, governance structure, legal status, marketing & communications, commercial strategies, accessing funding and more!
Following a successful pilot scheme in 2018/19, the programme has expanded each season since then and now includes over 100 clubs including those playing from Step 3 and below, including grassroots and youth football and also clubs playing in the Women’s Championship. Recently, leagues providing football at steps 3-6 have also been invited to join the programme hence why plans are being developed to support the Sydenhams League and it’s member clubs.
Laura would be delighted to hear from clubs playing within the Sydenhams League who may need support, guidance or someone to discuss an idea with. She can be reached on laurasmith080303@gmail.com
or 07851 445704.
Laura started work in Sports Development across Surrey & Hampshire before moving to Rushmoor Borough Council. She then moved to North West Surrey initiating school-club link programmes with local sports clubs, organising competitions, accessing funding and engaging with National Governing Bodies of Sport to provide CPD for teachers.
After leaving the Schools Sports Partnership in 2012, she took the role of Director & Chief Executive of Suffolk F.A. until 2017 when she became Chief Executive of Aldershot Football Club.
Prior to working in Football Development, Laura had a playing career at Millwall & Wimbledon before her career was ended by injury.
The League is pleased to be working with Laura & would encourage clubs to contact her to tap into her extensive experience to develop their off-field activities.
The FA have released the following dates to support club planning for its competitions in 2025/26: On Friday 13 June 2025 , we shall be releasing the below information; Round dates for The Emirates FA Cup , The Isuzu FA Trophy , The Isuzu FA Vase and The FA Youth Cup . On Friday 27 June 2025 , we shall be releasing the below information for each Competition; List of Clubs accepted into each Competition (Clubs not accepted into a Competition shall be notified separately regarding that Competition on the same date) List of Clubs to receive exemption Prize Fund On Friday 4 July 2025 , we shall be releasing the below information; The Emirates FA Cup – Extra Preliminary Round & Preliminary Round draws The Isuzu FA Trophy – Preliminary Round & First Round Qualifying draws The Isuzu FA Vase – First Round Qualifying & Second Round Qualifying draws The FA Youth Cup – Extra Preliminary Round & Preliminary Round draws During the week commencing Monday 14 July 2025 , Clubs shall receive the below; Competition Rules (The Emirates FA Cup, The Isuzu FA Trophy, The Isuzu FA Vase and The FA Youth Cup) (by email) Carbonated team sheets (by post) FA wall planner (by post) *Please note, all dates are subject to change, any changes shall be communicated if required.
The FA have released their NLS allocations for Steps 2-6 for the 2025/26 season. The Velocity Wessex Premier Division will comprise of 20 teams, including New Milton Town and East Cowes Victoria - both promoted from Division One - and a return for Bemerton Heath Harlequins who have taken voluntary relegation from the Southern League. We also welcome back Petersfield Town following their single-season lateral move from the Southern Combination League. Departing us are Premier Division champions, AFC Portchester - who alongside runners-up Fareham Town, are both promoted to the Isthmian League South Central - a division featuring local rivals and fellow Wessex alumni - Horndean and Moneyfields.
AFC Stoneham have won the Southampton Senior Cup in an an all-Wessex affair against Millbrook at St Mary's Stadium on Wednesday night. First half strikes from Alex Welch and Tyrell Sampson put the Purps in the ascendency before Duarte Martins added gloss to complete the 3-0 scoreline with fifteen left to play.
AFC Portchester made it a Velocity Wessex League and cup double as they beat Hamble Club 2-0 on Bank Holiday Monday. CUP FINAL - PROGRAMME DOWNLOAD Gave Spurway's side avenged for last season's defeat as the two sides met in a repeat of the cup final 12 months prior, with a goal in each half from Marley Ridge and Lee Wort settling the outcome, in front of 652 at the OnSite Group Stadium.
East Cowes Victoria Athletic claimed their place in next season's Velocity Wessex League Premier Division with a dramatic penalty shoot-out victory at Frimley Green. Elliot Wheeler gave the Vics the lead shortly after half-time before late drama as Adam Mekki levelled things up for the hosts deep into added on time.
Fareham Town have won promotion to Step 4 after defeating Andover New Street 2-1 in the Premier Division play-off final at Cams Alders. A fantastic crowd of 1,103 watched on as Callie Neil gave Simon Wood's side the early advantage, before Stan Bridgman's spot kick would prove decisive, nine minutes into the second half.
