WESSEX CANCER TRUST PARTNERSHIP
February 26, 2023
The Wessex Football League is delighted to announce a new partnership with Wessex Cancer Trust.
Wessex Cancer Trust provides emotional support to anyone affected by cancer and has support centres in Chandlers Ford, Bournemouth, Hythe and Newport on the Isle of Wight.
The partnership builds on Wessex Football League’s commitment to raising awareness of mental health and wellbeing programmes throughout it’s football community across it's membership area of Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire, West Sussex and the IOW.
It will promote the charity’s support services through it’s website, social media, newsletter and award-winning radio show on Awaaz FM. The Wessex League will also host a pre-season charity match between the Premier League Champions and League Cup winners, preceded by a pre-match lunch.
Nick Spencer, Executive Vice President of the Wessex Football League, said: “We were really impressed with the charity when they gave a presentation about their work at Eastleigh FC.
"We represent 40 clubs who collectively have in excess of 600 teams competing at many levels from under 5s, to open age, all genders, disability, veterans and walking football; partnering with them immediately felt like a natural fit for the League.
"Cancer affects so many of us and we’re delighted to be partnering with a charity that can provide valuable free and local wellbeing support throughout our football community.”
One in two of us will be diagnosed with cancer in our lifetime. A diagnosis can be a shock and have a huge impact on an entire family.
Wessex Cancer Trust provides free and local emotional support to anyone living with cancer. Through our four cancer support centres we offer a drop-in service, professional counselling, complementary therapies, activities, support groups and courses.
We also run services in the heart of the community, including our popular Sing for Life choirs and transport on our Daisy Buses to help patients get to their hospital appointments. Our ambition is a future where everyone affected by cancer receives the support that empowers them to live well with and beyond cancer. Please visit www.wessexcancer.org.uk
The FA have released the following dates to support club planning for its competitions in 2025/26: On Friday 13 June 2025 , we shall be releasing the below information; Round dates for The Emirates FA Cup, The Isuzu FA Trophy, The Isuzu FA Vase and The FA Youth Cup. On Friday 27 June 2025 , we shall be releasing the below information for each Competition; List of Clubs accepted into each Competition (Clubs not accepted into a Competition shall be notified separately regarding that Competition on the same date) List of Clubs to receive exemption Prize Fund On Friday 4 July 2025 , we shall be releasing the below information; The Emirates FA Cup – Extra Preliminary Round & Preliminary Round draws The Isuzu FA Trophy – Preliminary Round & First Round Qualifying draws The Isuzu FA Vase – First Round Qualifying & Second Round Qualifying draws The FA Youth Cup – Extra Preliminary Round & Preliminary Round draws During the week commencing Monday 14 July 2025 , Clubs shall receive the below; Competition Rules (The Emirates FA Cup, The Isuzu FA Trophy, The Isuzu FA Vase and The FA Youth Cup) (by email) Carbonated team sheets (by post) FA wall planner (by post) *Please note, all dates are subject to change, any changes shall be communicated if required.
The FA have released their NLS allocations for Steps 2-6 for the 2025/26 season. The Velocity Wessex Premier Division will comprise of 20 teams, including New Milton Town and East Cowes Victoria - both promoted from Division One - and a return for Bemerton Heath Harlequins who have taken voluntary relegation from the Southern League. We also welcome back Petersfield Town following their single-season lateral move from the Southern Combination League. Departing us are Premier Division champions, AFC Portchester - who alongside runners-up Fareham Town, are both promoted to the Isthmian League South Central - a division featuring local rivals and fellow Wessex alumni - Horndean and Moneyfields.
AFC Stoneham have won the Southampton Senior Cup in an an all-Wessex affair against Millbrook at St Mary's Stadium on Wednesday night. First half strikes from Alex Welch and Tyrell Sampson put the Purps in the ascendency before Duarte Martins added gloss to complete the 3-0 scoreline with fifteen left to play.
AFC Portchester made it a Velocity Wessex League and cup double as they beat Hamble Club 2-0 on Bank Holiday Monday. CUP FINAL - PROGRAMME DOWNLOAD Gave Spurway's side avenged for last season's defeat as the two sides met in a repeat of the cup final 12 months prior, with a goal in each half from Marley Ridge and Lee Wort settling the outcome, in front of 652 at the OnSite Group Stadium.
East Cowes Victoria Athletic claimed their place in next season's Velocity Wessex League Premier Division with a dramatic penalty shoot-out victory at Frimley Green. Elliot Wheeler gave the Vics the lead shortly after half-time before late drama as Adam Mekki levelled things up for the hosts deep into added on time.
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.
