PORTLAND'S PLAY-OFF JOY

The FA have confirmed round dates for their competitions to be contested in 2026/27, with details as follows: The Emirates FA Cup will begin with the Extra Preliminary Round on Saturday 8 August 2026, and its First Round Proper will take place around the weekend of Saturday 7 November 2026. The Third Round Proper is scheduled around the weekend of Saturday 9 January 2027, and the competition will culminate with the Final at Wembley Stadium connected by EE on Saturday 22 May 2027. The Women’s FA Cup starts on Sunday 23 August 2026 at the Preliminary Round, and the First Round Proper will be on Sunday 25 October 2026. The Fourth Round Proper is going to play out on Sunday 17 January 2027, and the home of English football will host the Final on Saturday 15 May 2027. Ties in The FA Youth Cup Extra Preliminary Round are to be played in the week commencing Monday 17 August 2026, and First Round Proper ties are to be completed by Saturday 31 October 2026. The Third Round Proper is to be finished by Saturday 12 December 2026, and the Final will be decided by Saturday 8 May 2027. The FA Vase will commence on Saturday 15 August 2026 with their First Round Qualifying and Preliminary Round respectively. Non-league Finals Day for the two competitions will be held at the national stadium on Sunday 16 May 2027. The lists of clubs accepted, lists of exemptions, and the draws for the first two rounds of each of these competitions will be announced in due course. Click on the links below to see the 2026-27 round dates for each competition. EMIRATES FA CUP WOMEN'S FA CUP FA VASE FA YOUTH CUP

It is with immense sadness to learn of the passing of our President and former Chairman, Bob Purkiss MBE - a highly respected football official, administrator, and friend to many throughout the game. Bob devoted an extraordinary amount of his life to football, serving both on and off the field with distinction. He joined the Wessex League Board in 2002 and went on to provide 24 years of loyal and dedicated service to the League. During that time, he held the positions of Vice Chairman from 2007 to 2009, again in 2022 and 2024, and Chairman from 2009 to 2012 and in 2023. Throughout his time with the Wessex League, Bob was an influential and active member of the Board, contributing his expertise across numerous committees, including Race Relations and Youth Protection, Conduct and Rules, Commissions and Discipline, League Development, Finance, External Relations, FA and County Liaison, and Media and IT. His commitment to ensuring the League was run professionally and fairly earned him immense respect from colleagues and clubs alike. 

AFC Stoneham capped a historic campaign by beating Cockfosters in the Isuzu FA Vase final at Wembley Stadium. The Velocity Wessex League Premier Division champions triumphed 4-2 on penalties, after a ninety minutes of deadlock to conclude a quite remarkable season for James Phillips' side that yielded a total of four trophies.

The FA have released NLS club allocations for Steps 1-6 (subject to appeal) for the 2026/27 season. It sees a return to the Wessex League Premier Division for Bashley, Fareham Town and Horndean - all rejoining us following their respective Step 4 relegations. Fleetlands make the step-up as champions of Division One, while Sturminster Newton United also feature following a lateral move from the Western League. Last season's champions, AFC Stoneham (Isthmian South Central) and runners-up, Portland United (Southern League South) have their promotions rubber-stamped. Wincanton Town are reprieved from relegation and take their place once more in the 22-team Premier Division.

AFC Stoneham completed a quick-fire cup double to add to their Premier Division title, with victories in the Russell Cotes Cup and Southampton Senior Cups.