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.
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.
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 April 26 - Fareham Town (2) v Andover New Street (1) (at Cams Alders, 3pm k.o) Att: 1,103 ________________________ Division One dates as follows: April 29 - Frimley Green (2) v (1) Fleetlands - 7.45pm k.o April 30 - Alresford Town (1) v (2) East Cowes Victoria - 7.45pm k.o Play-Off Final May 3 - Frimley Green v East Cowes Victoria - 3pm k.o
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
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 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.
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.
