WESSEX/MJM AGREE 2 YEAR EXTENSION
Roger Allen • May 29, 2021
MJM Sports have achieved a truly impressive deal with the Wessex Football League; a 2-year extension to our existing deal which has been running since 2017. This new agreement will now run until 2025.
Terry Schofield of MJM said "this is a fantastic result for us and a tremendous endorsement of the quality and consistency of service that we have been able to offer all our customers, including the prestigious Wessex Football League. They appreciate that MJM will continue to perform at the same level for them over the coming years.
Despite the difficulties presented by the Covid 19 pandemic and Brexit, MJM have continued to operate throughout all the ups and downs of the last year and we are now looking forward to greater stability in the economy as life gradually returns to some degree of normality".
MJM Sports will continue to be bench wear sponsors for the Wessex Football League together with Kappa, ball provider with Uhlsport and subs boards via MJM Sports.
The Wessex Football League was the first to benefit from this type of sponsorship and Chairman of the League, Nick Spencer said “I am delighted that the league’s relationship with MJM has been extended until 2025. The support the league and our clubs receive from MJM and Kappa for The Respect programme is much valued. The excellent sponsorship of bench wear from MJM has given the league a more professional appearance, the significant financial benefit to our clubs is very much appreciated by them”.
Terry Schofield Managing Director of MJM also commented "It started with Kappa Respect 4 years ago and has gained respect, so much to say that the whole sponsorship from Respect to balls to sub boards to bench wear has been a natural progression and the clubs are as much part of this as we are . I must say a few words about our team - design, decoration and dispatch all help with the success of this deal, here’s to the next chapter".
Dave Bandell Kappa's UK Sales Manager commented “Kappa in conjunction with MJM sports are delighted to extend our relationship with the Wessex league. The new extension to 2025 on bench wear products highlights Kappa’s commitment and also proves what a great job MJM Sports have done implementing the deal. We look forward to working with both parties and continuing to build on an already successful partnership”
MJM are Barnstaple based and are now the largest independent supplier of team kits in the South West. We have been trading for over 20 years and offer a comprehensive service for all sports, including soccer clubs, where we offer everything from bench wear, to full team strips, training wear, to balls and boards and much more.
We have outstanding facilities at our new premises, where we offer a design service for those clubs that need it, together with, embroidery for club logo etc and printing player details on shirts.
To find out more about the quality of service MJM can offer your club, contact:
Terry Schofield – MJM Sports M: 07501 253796 e: info@mjm-sports.co.uk
Laverstock & Ford are our Premier Division 'Club of the Month' for August, following their exploits in the FA Cup, with progression into the second round qualifying. Liam McConnell's side also enjoyed progression in the FA Vase with victory at US Portsmouth, and commenced their League campaign with a 5-0 success over Baffins Milton Rovers.
Laverstock & Ford fly the Velocity Wessex League flag in the Emirates FA Cup, with the Bulldog's 2-1 win at Hythe & Dibden earning a local derby against Salisbury in the second round qualifying. Liam McConnell's side came from behind to advance - and equal the club's best ever season in the Cup - courtesy of strikes from Archie Lovegrove and Chae Sykes which cancelled out Ollie Davies free-kick for the hosts. LISTEN - HEAR LIAM MCCONNELL'S FA CUP REACTION ON THE WESSEX LEAGUE PODCAST
Hythe & Dibden will host Laverstock & Ford in an intriguing all-Wessex League tie, after the Premier Division rivals were drawn together in the FA Cup first round qualifying. It's a third home outing on the spin for Hythe, who have already dispatched fellow Wessex League sides Portland United and New Milton Town on their own patch to reach this stage for only the second time. Meanwhile the Bulldogs needed a replay and penalties to edge past Cowes Sports in the extra preliminary stage, before an impressive 2-0 victory on the road at former Wessex League champions, Horndean - now plying their trade in the Isthmian South Central. Laverstock have reached the first round qualifying in three of the last four seasons - and will be looking to emulate 2022/23 when they went one better, bowing out at the second round qualifying stage by a single goal at Taunton Town. AFC Stoneham are our third representative in the draw - they travel to Southern League Premier South side, Hungerford Town, following home victories over Fleet Town and Paulton Rovers (main picture). The Purps have also previously reached a club-best of the second round qualifying in each of the last two campaigns, with identical 1-7 defeats at higher-ranked Yeovil Town and Salisbury, respectively. Winners of the ties on August 30 will receive £2,250, with the losers netting £750. FA CUP - FIRST ROUND QUALIFYING - DRAW IN FULL Article Photo: Robin Caddy
As part of the recent changes to the Laws of the Game (2025/26) approved by IFAB in March, the “Only the Captain” protocol will be applied across all competitions in England starting from the new season. Purpose and Rationale The protocol is designed to strengthen respect between players and referees by formalising that only the team captain may approach the referee to discuss key decisions. The aim is to reduce incidents of mobbing, dissent, and intimidation of match officials — improving the environment for everyone involved in the game. Key Points Normal, respectful interactions with referees are still permitted; however, dissent (by word or action) remains a yellow card offence — even for captains. Only the captain from each team is allowed to approach the referee on major decisions. Captains are responsible for ensuring teammates stay away from the referee during these moments. Referees may delay the restart to allow captains to communicate messages back to their teams if necessary. Additional Details If the goalkeeper is the team captain, an outfield player must be nominated to fulfil this role for referee interactions. A “captain-only zone” of 4 metres will be established around the referee; no other players are permitted within this area. Any non-captain entering this zone should be cautioned for dissent by action. If multiple players enter, at least one must be cautioned, and the incident will be reported to the relevant authorities. Competition organisers are encouraged to introduce sanctions for repeated breaches across the season. National Implementation This protocol will be implemented consistently across: All professional competitions The National League Pyramids County FA-administered football Our approach is to create alignment and consistency from the top tiers to grassroots , improving behaviour towards match officials at every level. Education and Communication We are currently rolling out education for referees, County FAs, Referee Development Officers, and other stakeholders to ensure clear understanding and consistent application. Clarification for Youth, Veterans, Disability, and Grassroots Levels Although IFAB have included an arm signal to initiate the protocol at these levels, in England we will not adopt this . Referees will manage the protocol themselves, using their existing match management skills. If you have any questions or would like to discuss the details further, please don’t hesitate to get in touch through refereedevelopment@thefa.com Article Photo: Ian Grainger
The Emirates FA Cup made a welcome return to Velocity Wessex League club schedules on Saturday, however it proved to be a challenging afternoon for many, with four of our sides guaranteeing themselves a Preliminary Round place on August 16. Last season's Premier Division runners-up, AFC Stoneham, were looking to emulate last season's run to the Second Round Qualifying - with the Purps once again overcoming Fleet Town, 2-0 and booked another home date with Paulton Rovers next. FA CUP - FIXTURES & RESULTS (Wessex League only) Christchurch overcame returning Wessex side, Bemerton Heath Harlequins 3-0 at Hurn Bridge and will have home comforts once more in the Preliminary Round against Tadley Calleva, while in other all-Wessex affairs, New Milton Town came away from Andover New Street with a solitary goal to nil victory to set-up a meeting with Hythe & Dibden - themselves beating Portland United 3-1.
The Velocity Wessex League Charity Cup sees Premier Division winners, AFC Portchester, take on fellow cup finalists, Hamble Club at the OnSite Group Stadium on July 26 (3pm). CHARITY CUP - PROGRAMME DOWNLOAD This year proceeds from the curtain raising fixture will go to our charity partner, YoungMinds, who champion mental health and wellbeing amongst young people.
