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FLOODLIGHT FUNDING
July 7, 2023
Thanks to funding from the Premier League, a new programme is supporting clubs with the installation of LED floodlights at their stadiums.
Through the Premier League Stadium Fund, investment has been made available to support clubs from across the National League System (NLS) and Women's Football Pyramid (WFP) to make the 'big switch' to LED and become more financially and environmentally sustainable.
Eligible clubs can now apply for grants to cover up to 70% of the costs towards the installation of modern LED floodlights to replace their metal halide systems.
For more information about the funding available, check out the Premier League Stadium Fund website:
The Velocity Wessex League Cup final will once again be contested between Hamble Club and AFC Portchester, after the sides came through their respective midweek semi-finals. Hamble will be looking to retain the trophy they won in 2023/24 in beating the Royals 2-0 at the OnSite Group Stadium. The Monks earned their spot on Wednesday night - seeing off Fareham Town by the same score at Hamble Lane - courtesy of first half strikes from Clayd Road and Nick Yeomans.
Andover New Street kept their Isuzu FA Vase dreams alive on Saturday as they overcame United Counties League side, Heanor Town to reach the semi-finals. Lewis Williams' effort just before half time proved to be decisive for the hosts, in front of a bumper crowd of 953 at the DH Property Services Stadium.
AFC Portchester have received a home draw against Aldershot Town in the semi-finals of the Hampshire Senior Cup. Gav Spurway's table-toppers are in a quest to make it back-to-back victories in the competition, will face the National League outfit - who saw off Tadley Calleva 6-1 to reach the last four. Portchester's path meanwhile has already included triumphs against opposition higher in the pyramid in Basingstoke and Havant & Waterlooville. There's further Velocity Wessex League representation in the other semi-final, with AFC Stoneham visiting either Hamble Club or Sholing. Hamble overcame Southampton's Academy 2-0 in the second round, while fellow Premier Division title-challengers, AFC Stoneham beat Winchester City by the odd goal of three to make this stage. Ties for those semi-finals are to be confirmed, however The Snows Stadium - home to AFC Totton - will host the final on Tuesday, April 15 (7.45pm). See our Fixtures page for updates. Photo: Nathan Lipsham
Andover New Street's march in the Isuzu FA Vase continued on Saturday in a thrilling all-Velocity Wessex League last 16 encounter against AFC Stoneham. A crowds of 565 at Foxcotte Park saw Oliver Jenkins give Stoneham the lead on the quarter-hour - and that's how it stayed until late drama ensued; Greg Peel finding the target to level for New Street - three minutes into added time.
Andover New Street have been reinstated into the Isuzu FA Vase (*subject to appeal) after Roman Glass St George fielded an ineligible player during their Fourth Round tie on January 11. An FA National League System board sub-committee met on Thursday, revealing that Roman Glass St George had fielded a player under suspension. Subject to Roman Glass St George's right to appeal, Street will host an all-Wessex tie in the last 16 of the competition - a record for both sides - on February 1, guaranteeing one a place in the quarter-finals. FA Vase - Full Draw
Dates for the Velocity Wessex League Divisional play-offs and cup final for 2024/25 have been released, with details as follows: PREMIER DIVISION Tuesday, April 22 (2nd v 5th) - 7.45pm k.o Wednesday, April 23 (3rd v 4th) - 7.45pm k.o Saturday, April 26 (Final @ venue of club finishing highest in regular season) - 3pm k.o DIVISION ONE Tuesday, April 29 (2nd v 5th) - 7.45pm k.o Wednesday, April 30 (3rd v 4th) - 7.45pm k.o Saturday, May 3 (Final @ venue of club finishing highest in regular season) - 3pm k.o LEAGUE CUP FINAL Monday, May 5 - Velocity Wessex League Cup Final (at AFC Portchester) - 3pm k.o
