NEWS

The Premier Division play-offs have been confirmed following Saturday's results . Tuesday, April 23 (7.45pm) AFC Stoneham v Baffins Milton Rovers Wednesday, April 24 (7.45pm) Shaftesbury v AFC Portchester Saturday, April 27 (3pm) Final (To be played at the highest placed club within the regular season) Photo: Robin Caddy

For the 2024/25 season, there will be mandatory changes to the safeguarding affiliation requirements for Open-Age Football. The Club Welfare Officer (Adult Teams) and all team officials (excluding the Team Secretary) will now be required to undertake the Player Welfare in Open-Age Football Course in order to affiliate. This is a FREE, 45-minute eLearning course covering general welfare concerns which are relevant across the whole Open-Age game as well as more specific safeguarding considerations, including those related to U18s within the Open-Age football. This course has been created to empower those working in Open-Age Football and enhance understanding, so that together we can continue to support those involved and create positive environments. You can access the course via the link below: FA FREE eLEARNNG COURSE - 2024/25 SEASON Photo: Paul Paxford

The Velocity Wessex League AGM will take place on Saturday, June 15, 2024 at AFC Totton, The Snows Stadium, Salisbury Road, Totton, Southampton SO40 2RW, commencing at 11.00am. As per League Rule 2.20, each Club should be represented by the Chairperson, Secretary and Team Manager, with an option to invite one other Club representative. Further details to follow...

Hamble Club will take on AFC Portchester in the final of the Velocity Wessex League Cup, after the Monks came through their semi-final against Downton on Tuesday evening. A solitary Will Gange effort proved decisive against the Division One play-off hopefuls, to see Hamble through to the showpiece occasion at the OnSite Group Stadium, AFC Portchester, on Bank Holiday Monday, May 6 (3pm).

Moneyfields are Velocity Wessex League Premier Division champions for 2023/24. A Ryan Pennery hat-trick alongside a 34th League strike for talisman, Callum Laycock, gave Glenn Turnbull's side a 2-4 victory at Laverstock & Ford - their 33rd in 36 outings this campaign - and the second best record at Step 5 across the country. WESSEX LEAGUE - TABLES 

AFC Portchester have reached the final of the Hampshire Senior Cup for the first time in the club's history after beating Southampton 3-1 at the OnSite Group Stadium. Josh Pitts had given Saints the lead going into half-time, however a Harrison Brook penalty and two from Kane O'Keefe secured the Royals path into the showpiece fixture on Friday, May 10, where they will face AFC Totton at Aldershot Town's EBB Stadium. Our congratulations to AFC Portchester on their fantastic achievement! The last time a Wessex League side reached this stage was in 2017/18 with Blackfield & Langley flying the flag, with Alresford Town the last 'one of our own' to lift the silverware in 2013, defeating AFC Bournemouth by the odd goal of five on the Cherries’ own turf. Photo: Nathan Lipsham

AFC Portchester will host AFC Stoneham in the Velocity Wessex League Cup semi-final, after the draw on our Football Show on Sunday. Division One side, Downton will welcome Hamble Club to the Brian Whitehead Sports Ground in the other tie, both of which will be played on March 26. The final will be hosted at AFC Portchester's OnSite Group Stadium on Bank Holiday Monday, May 6 (3pm). Photo: Robin Caddy

AFC Stoneham were delighted to be invited to 10 Downing Street this week to celebrate the club's positive impact on the community. With 113 teams and 1500 players, the Stoneham Lane side is one of the largest community grassroots sports clubs in the country, gaining national recognition for our work as a volunteer-run, community club. The Right Honourable Lucy Frazer, The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport invited the club to No. 10, with the Purps represented by Chairman, Mark Stupple (pictured). He said: "It was great to visit Downing Street and represent the whole club. We discussed our recent growth, our positive impact on the local community and our future plans which were very well received" "The club is acutely aware that this recognition is a very proud moment for the whole club and every volunteer that contributes to both our success and the positive impact on our community. "We would therefore like to send a huge thank you to every manager, coach and club volunteer who contributes towards our club and made this national recognition possible. Without these great people there is no national recognition. A very proud day for AFC Stoneham."