Wessex League

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.