Social Media
Roger Allen • October 29, 2021
The Football Association has been engaging with social media organisations for a number of years to try and address the issues of online abuse and discrimination. This impacts all parts of football from players to administrators, from referees to coaches/managers and is not isolated to any one part of the football pyramid. Sadly, this is an issue that impacts many of those in our game and we are committed to continuing to use our voice and influence to address this problem.
We recognise that a multi-pronged approach is needed and we are doing everything that we can to ensure that social media organisations are effectively protecting all users. We are also simultaneously working with government to ensure that relevant and effective legislation is enacted quickly to hold social media organisations to account. Through our discussions with social media platforms, they are sharing information on products and tools to address elements of the challenges we currently see online.
Social media platforms are a key mechanism of modern communication for many people and we know that they are great way to interact. However, just like in the offline world, there will always be those who try to abuse others online.
Instagram
Instagram has rolled out two new tools to protect people who may be subject to abuse, either in comments or Direct Messages (DMs). Activating these tools will help reduce the chances of seeing negative or hurtful comments and make the experience of using Instagram a more positive one.
The first tool is Hidden Words - when turned on, this will automatically filter offensive words, phrases and emojis, so they do not have to be viewed. This tool focuses on DM requests, because this is where people usually receive abusive messages. It will work in a similar way to the comment filters already on offer, which allow people to hide offensive comments and choose what terms they don’t want people to use in comments under posts they may. Both comment and DM request filters can be turned on and off in a new dedicated section of Privacy Settings called Hidden Words.
The second tool is Limits – designed to help protect people when they experience or anticipate a rush of abusive comments and DMs. It’s easy to turn on, and will automatically hide comments and DM requests from people who don’t follow an account, or who only recently followed an account. Instagram developed this feature because they heard that sometimes people experience sudden spikes of comments and DM requests from people they don’t know. In many cases this is an outpouring of support — like if they score a winning goal. But sometimes it can also mean an influx of unwanted comments or messages. In these instances, you can turn on Limits and avoid this type of interaction.
Twitter
Twitter has rolled out tools that we feel it’s important to make you aware of to help protect you online. Please see the two short videos below which guide you through the process of activating these tools on your Twitter profile.
We hope that these features help ensure your experience on social media platforms is a more positive one and that the football community can be brought together in the right way this season.
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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.
