CLUB ALLOCATIONS - 2023/24

As we come to the end of my first six months as the chair of the Velocity Wessex League, it is time to reflect on the season 2024-25 so far. The weather has been kind to us so far and most clubs have completed close to half of their league programme. Both the Premier Division and Division One have competitive battles at both the top and bottom of the tables and I am sure that the race for the title and play-off positions will be interesting right up to the final games. Special congratulations are offered to the three teams that remain in the FA Vase, namely AFC Stoneham, Andover New Street and Fareham Town. Whilst they all face difficult away ties on January 11, everyone in the League wishes them well and hope they can carry the Velocity Wessex League flag into the next round. Off the field, focus for clubs will have to be achieving FA ground accreditation by March 31, 2025. There is the threat of relegation for clubs that do not achieve accreditation, and the league do not want to lose any club on this basis, so please can I ask clubs to focus on getting the required work finished in good time so that promotion and relegation is only decided as it should be, on the field. If you require any assistance regarding ground accreditation, please do not hesitate to contact Ian Harley or myself. As we reach the end of 2024, I would like to thank my fellow league officers for the work they do on behalf of the league, and the time spent and knowledge they have to offer clubs does not go unnoticed. I would particularly like to thank the league secretary Steve Smith for his work and dedication to the role, and he has helped make my transition into the Chairman’s role go smoothly. As I thank the officers, I would like to pay tribute to the League President Dennis Challis who sadly passed away following a short illness recently. Dennis was a font of knowledge and support for me, and our thoughts are with his wife Val and his family at this time. I also thank and acknowledge the support of Joe, Will and the team at Velocity Sports, our main sponsor. Without their financial backing it would make running the league harder for both the league officers and clubs. I would also like to thank all club officers and volunteers for the work that they do to keep all clubs functioning to the standard required of a club within the FA’s National League System, it is appreciated. Finally, I would like to wish everyone in the Velocity Wessex League 'family' a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy 2025.  Nick Taplin Chairman Velocity Wessex League

AFC Stoneham, Andover New Street and Fareham Town will all fly the flag for the Velocity Wessex League in the Fourth Round of the Isuzu FA Vase. All three clubs make their first appearances in the competitions last 32 - eclipsing our representation from 2023/24 with Hamworthy Recreation the sole survivor on an impressive debut run. 

A new Wessex League attendance record was set on Saturday in the top-of-the-table clash between local rivals, AFC Portchester and Fareham Town. A crowd of 1,630 saw the Royals run out 3-1 victors at their OnSite Group Stadium, surpassing the previous best of 1,598 in the same fixture, set in 2022/23.

An all-Wessex tie between Downton and Fareham Town was included amongst the Isuzu FA Vase third round draw, made on Monday. Victory for either side at The Nest on December 7 will see their best-ever FA Vase season, while guaranteeing a Wessex representative in the last 32. Both clubs needed penalties from home ties in the second round to progress - as did Andover New Street, who host Western League high-flyers, Clevedon Town. Also facing opposition from Western League are AFC Stoneham, who are rewarded with a home tie against table-toppers, Brixham, having defeated Hamble Club in the last round. The Purples have previously made a name for themselves in the FA Cup, but are now enjoying their best ever return from the FA Vase in reaching this stage - as are Street, who were narrowly defeated by Brixham in the second round in 2022/23. A thorn to Wessex League sides in the past, Downton also lost out by the odd goal in five to Brixham at this stage last season. THIRD ROUND (*Wessex clubs only - ties to be played on Saturday, December 7) Winners Receive £1,125 Losers Receive £350 AFC Stoneham v Brixham Andover New Street v Clevedon Town Downton v Fareham Town

Hamble Club are the recipients of the Velocity Wessex League Premier Division 'Club of the Month' award for October. Frimley Green claimed the Division One accolade, while in the MJM Sport/ Kappa Respect award went to Wincanton Town (Premier) and Clanfield (Division One), respectively. Both clubs receive a £50 voucher from our teamwear partner, MJM Sports. Our congratulations to all the winning clubs. Pictured (l-r): Hamble Club's presentation featuring manager, Matty Gregory, Wessex League Radio Show presenter, Greg Dickson, Hamble Club captain, Matt Casey, and Wessex League Vice Chairman, Bob Purkiss.