ACADEMY SUCCESS- U14 TIGERS

Academy Success - U14 Tigers 24/25

AFC Stoneham will have 1700 players at various development levels next season whilst we continue to encourage boys and girls to get involved and enjoy football regardless of their level. Everyone's football journey is different!

That journey for three of last seasons U14 Tigers has led them into professional football clubs. They have just signed contracts with Bournemouth, Southampton and Chelsea.

Josh O’Driscoll

Josh came to the Tigers playing a year up having trained with Fulham and Bournemouth, looking to play in a physically demanding league, so came in as a left back in Tyro Div 1. Over the summer Josh chose to sign with AFC Bournemouth.

In 2024/25, the Tigers also played with three female players in their squad. They were the only team in Tyro Div 1 to achieve this. Over the summer two of those girls have now moved on to sign contracts.

Selina Namisango and Eva Doyle

Selina has signed for Southampton Women whilst Eva has signed with Chelsea.

Team manager Richard Veal said it was fantastic to play a very small part in these three Tigers journeys.

"You could see with each of them the additional composure and confidence they had both in and out of possession. This proves that you don’t always need to have trophies to measure success and the coaching and management at AFC Stoneham has helped these three individuals on their journeys. We wish them well and will follow their progress with interest and a little pride"

Well done to Richard and all of the Tigers team. The club is immensely proud of the team,Josh, Selina and Eva who we wish all the luck in the world to as they continue their football journeys.

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U16 GIRLS PANTHERS - NIKE PARTNER CLUB TOURNAMENT

Under 16 Girls

Nike Partner Club Tournament

St George's Park - Sunday

Following on from our U14 Girls Phoenixes competing in the invitational Nike Partner Club tournament on Saturday at St George's Park it was the turn of our U16 Girls to enjoy the same wonderful experience on Sunday ....and what a day they had!

Team report:

After being able to explore behind the scenes, and having exclusive access to unreleased Nike boots, they competed in a tournament consisting of 18 teams.

Tournament football hasn’t been all too good to us this off-season, but today has shown just how far the girls have come. To go through the day unbeaten without conceding a single goal is an incredible achievement in itself, and a testament to just how hard the girls work for one another.

As a result of their grit and determination, they placed 3rd, meaning they won a new pair of Nike football boots each!

The team management said" The girls have honestly had one of the best days of their lives and we would like to send a huge thank you to Nike, Kitlocker and of course our club for giving us such an incredible experience.

To finish 3rd from 18 teams from all over England was an unbelievable achievement and shows what the girls can really achieve although the incentive of a brand new pair of the latest Nike boots for each player for finishing in the top 4 seemed to work!

A day that the girls and parents will talk about forever"

We are extremely proud of each and every one of these girls, and after today’s performance, we cannot wait to get the new season underway.

A huge well done girls for representing AFC Stoneham in such a fantastic way. We are all very proud of you!

U14 GIRLS PHOENIXES - NIKE PARTNER CLUB TOURNAMENT

U14 Girls Phoenixes

Nike Partner Club Tournament 2025

St Georges Park

Our report on a wonderful day!

AFC Stoneham U14 Girls Phoenixes had the great opportunity to take part with 23 other teams in the Nike Partner Club tournament at St George’s Park on Saturday.

Twin sisters Mollie and Rosie Kmita hosted the day. They are professional footballers turned sports broadcasters, also known for hosting the Barclays Women's Championship Show on Sky, and for creating the Powerhouse Project, a platform focused on creating opportunities for the next generation of women in football.

It was a busy day packed with various activities, including tournaments, education and customisation.

The girls started with a fun warm up followed by a sport bra fitting workshop, a drills session practising 1v1, 2v2 and skills before starting the tournament.

The Phoenixes first played Baypoint FC. They dominated the whole game and won 2-0 with Jess G opening the score early on in the second half, followed by a second goal from Ali.

The second game was a bit harder than the first against a more physical team , the Cottage Farm Rangers, but the girls held up and Maelys scored just before half time. The opposition equalised within the first minute of the second half but the Phoenixes battled hard and a brilliant corner from Jess G gave them the win 2-1.

After their lunch break, they attended a Q and A session with Faye White (300 caps for Arsenal and more than 90 for England) who shared her experience and gave them some advice.

The girls then got a tour of the Lionesses changing rooms where they got to see and comment on the Nike boots to come out in 18 months.They were also offered a goodie bag that they got to customise.

Whilst the morning games had taken place under the dome, they got to play the afternoon ones outdoors.

Unfortunately despite battling hard, they lost the third game of the day 0-2 against a strong Watford team. They came back fighting even harder for their last game against Berkhamstead and won 2-0 thanks to 2 goals from Emily.

The day finished as it started, with all teams together for some relaxation before heading home.

All in all, the Phoenixes had a great day! With a few girls having recently joined the team, it was great to see them all play together with a great teamwork and spirit on and off the pitch as if they had always known each other.

A special mention to Jess P who couldn’t play due to an injury but still came and supported the team!

A big thank you to AFC Stoneham for the opportunity, to Josh Willis for taking them and to Nike, partner of AFC Stoneham for organising the event.

Well done to Josh, all of the girls and parents on a fantastic experience!

Layla U15 Lionesses and Zanzibar children

Layla U15 Lionesses and Zanzibar children

Our U15 Lionesses Layla Shiner is currently in Zanzibar, Eastern Africa with her Deer Park school

Layla and some of the other pupils from Deer Park travelled to Zanzibar with African Adventures. African Adventures work with 29 schools in developing areas of Ghana, Kenya and Zanzibar, and organise life-changing group volunteer trips for people of all ages.

When the children arrive their different skills are matched up, this could be building a new part of the school, helping teach in the classroom, Layla opted for football coaching, following her love of football, and wanted to teach football to the children whilst she is out there.

AFC Stoneham were delighted to be able to fill Laylas large suitcase with football kit, balls, water bottles, scarfs etc some of which can be seen in the photos below.

A huge well done to Layla for completing a wonderful experience and helping the children of Zanzibar.

AFC STONEHAM SIGN 3 YEAR AGREEMENT WITH NIKE!

AFC Stoneham signs landmark partnership agreement with Nike

On July 1st 2025 AFC Stoneham became a Nike Partner Club supported by The FA and Kitlocker.

As the largest grassroots football club in the South of England the partnership with Nike recognises our ambition, our growth and our commitment to excellence on and off the field as a thriving 3-star FA accredited community club

The 3-year strategic partnership will enhance the club’s national recognition and allow

access to Nike’s football apparel, elite level coaching, development resources and exclusive events.

We are excited to work with Nike to support the FA’s Powerhouse Project to identify and develop the female coaches of the future.

In line with the Nike partnership, we will work exclusively with Kitlocker to launch our own bespoke range of matchday kits and training kits including ladies cut sizes for the first time.

Kitlocker are pleased to release the below statement:

Kitlocker and AFC Stoneham: A Game Changing Nike Partnership

Kitlocker is proud to announce a landmark partnership with AFC Stoneham, who now officially become the South of England’s biggest Nike Partner Club (NPC).

This exciting collaboration represents a major step forward for grassroots football in the UK, as two forward thinking organisations come together to deliver exceptional quality, service, and support to one of the country’s most ambitious community clubs.

As a Nike Partner Club through Kitlocker, AFC Stoneham will benefit from:

Elite-level Nike teamwear and training gear

A fully customised online club shop

Enhanced service and fulfilment solutions

Access to exclusive NPC benefits and opportunities

With 150 teams and a commitment to inclusion, player development, and community growth, AFC Stoneham continues to set the standard for what a grassroots club can achieve.

This partnership will not only elevate the experience for players, coaches, and supporters but also help the club thrive on and off the pitch for years to come.

Kitlocker is excited to see AFC Stoneham thrive and move forward aligned to Nike’s grassroots vision for the future of football.

Ben Dixon New Business Development Manager at Kitlocker, said:

“This is more than just a kit deal – it’s a statement of intent.

AFC Stoneham is a club with ambition, scale, and a true community focus. We have been extremely impressed with the whole club and are very proud to support them as they become the South’s biggest Nike Partner Club and we can’t wait to see what the future holds.

A big thank you to Mark, Phil and Alex for their support in launching this new partnership”

This is more than a partnership. It’s progress.

Kitlocker x AFC Stoneham | Powered by Nike |

GIRLS TEAMS - LEAGUE PRESENTATION

Girls teams

End of season league presentation.

Well done to our girls teams who received their awards today from the Hampshire County Girls League at their presentation day at St Mary's.

Photos show our U18 Girls, U14 Girls ,U12 Girls and U11 Girls who all won their leagues!

Our U10 Girls who also won were not at the awards ceremony as they were winning a prestigious tournament in Brighton!

The club has grown the number of girls teams from one to thirty three in six years to now have the largest girls section in the South of England.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank the Hampshire County Girls League for their help and support to our club during this period ensuring that we can get more girls involved in playing football.

Well done girls!

#upthepurps

MARTIN PASIELKA - MASTERS DEGREE

Congratulations to Martin Pasielka

We were delighted to learn this week that Martin Pasielka obtained a Masters Degree with Real Madrid. Martin coached with AFC Stoneham for four years.

The Master’s degree is in Football Coaching and Management, delivered in partnership with Real Madrid Graduate School and Universidad Europea.

Real Madrid play a huge role in the course, from guest lectures by top professionals at the club, to exclusive access to training facilities and insights into how one of the world’s biggest football institutions operates both on and off the pitch.Martin also had opportunities to learn from other leading clubs and coaches across Europe, so the exposure and experience was incredible.

Martin said " It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m especially grateful for the four amazing years I spent with AFC Stoneham. This club will always hold a special place in my heart.

Wishing the entire Purple Family all the very best, have a fantastic summer and keep flying high! #UpThePurps

The picture was taken at Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, home of Real Madrid, which made the graduation even more special!

Well done Martin!!

#upthepurps

LUCY MAIR - CLUB PERSON OF THE YEAR

Club Person of the year-24/25

Lucy Mair.

All of our volunteer managers and coaches do a wonderful job every season . Thank you.

Yesterday we presented the 2024/25 Club Person of the year award to the fantastic Lucy Mair!

Lucy runs three teams whilst being club secretary for all of our Mid Solent teams amongst everything else she does for the club!

Lucy and her family are a huge part of our club and make an outstanding contribution which as a club we felt thoroughly deserved this award.

Thank you to the inspirational Lucy Mair!

U10 ATHLETIC - DOUBLE JPL CUP WINNERS!

AFC Stoneham Athletic U10: Double JPL Cup Champions!

What a season it's been for AFC Stoneham Athletic U10! This talented group of young footballers has clinched both the Winter and Summer Junior Premier League (JPL) Cups, marking an extraordinary achievement in their football journey.

To celebrate this remarkable feat, the boys were joined by their head coach, Andy Marks and football legend James Beattie at the Stoneham Lane Football Complex. The duo presented the team with their well-deserved medals and, of course, the coveted cups! Manager Carl Nichols and club chairman Mark Stupple were also present to commemorate the special occasion.

Adding to the excitement, the men's first team had secured the Southampton Senior Cup the night before at St Mary's Stadium. Some of our mini purps were there to cheer them on, and they were thrilled to get their hands on the cup, dreaming of emulating the same in the future.

A massive thank you to James, Andy, all the parents, supporters, and our team sponsor, Wired Partnership, for your unwavering support throughout the season. Here's to more victories and memories for AFC Stoneham Athletic!

#AFCStoneham #U10Champions #DoubleJPLCupWinners #FutureStars #UPTHEPURPS


SOUTHAMPTON FA SENIOR CUP WINNERS!

Southampton FA Senior Cup Final

AFC Stoneham 3 Millbrook 0

Scorers: Welch, Sampson and Martins.

Another wonderful and historic night at St Mary's for the club as we collected this seasons second piece of silverware following our Hampshire Senior Cup triumph.

We took a 2-0 half time lead through a Welch thunderbolt and a Sampson goal before Millbrook missed a decisive penalty on 53 minutes ensuring that a Martins header sealed the win on 75 mins.

We would like to thank an estimated 1000 fans who came along tonight to support the boys

and for cheering them on. Your support is massively appreciated and made a big difference.

Well done to everyone for giving the club another fantastic night and making us all immensely proud as we finish the season on a big high!

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PORTSWOOD PRIMARY SCHOOL

Portswood Primary School Girls!

We were delighted to host nearly 20 girls from Portswood Primary School today with their teacher Hannah.

Club Coach Lucy put on a great session for the girls with lots of fun and smiles. Thank you Lucy.

We are hoping that there may be some future Wildcats and Purps from Portswood Primary playing soon in some of our girls teams!

Well done girls!

Thank you

#upthepurps

U13 SPITFIRES - HAMPSHIRE CHAMPIONS

U13 Spitfires - County Champions!

Big congratulations to our U13 Spitfires who today won the Hampshire Cup for a second consecutive season beating Hamble 4-3.

The boys made a slow start and found themselves 2-0 down in 11 minutes before a 12 minute Alfie Lomas hat trick gave the boys a 3-2 half time lead.

Hamble deservedly equalised in the second half and took the upper hand before a set piece corner restored our lead to clinch a very narrow win.

Well done to Jon and the boys on another fantastic achievement!

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U13 GIRLS PHOENIX ON TOUR!

U13 Girls Phoenix

Our U13 Girls Phoenix recently returned from a great experience abroad. Below is a report of a fantastic trip by Daniel. Thank you.

AFC Stoneham U13G Phoenixes on Tour.

Once again this year the AFC Stoneham Phoenixes set off to Holland to take part in the Easter Open and to play a game against VV Baarlo Girls football team.

An early bus set off on Thursday with a group of excited footballers and tired parents!

We stayed at Centerparcs Kempervennen - which provided an amazing pool, and other facilities.

On Easter Friday we played against VV Baarlo - their report here: (https://www.vvbaarlo.nl/.../meiden-mo13-1-genieten-van.../).

We were returning to Baarlo after our first meeting last year. The game was a great way to kick off the tour.

Stoneham Phoenixes won and got their confidence up before the tournament.

However the football was secondary to seeing the girls from both teams partying for a couple of hours afterwards, sharing food, dancing and just having a great time - enabled by their love of football.

VV Baarlo have also suggested that they are interested in a return trip in 2026/27 to celebrate 50 years of women's football, and 100 years of their club existing.

They will be very welcome, and hopefully other teams may be able to build on this relationship.

Holland Easter Open Day 1

AFC Stoneham U13 Phoenixes vs Knights Templar School (1)

The Phoenixes started the tournament strong with some very good football.

Won 4-1 with a goal from Cara and hat trick from Ali.

AFC Stoneham U13 Phoenixes vs Snekkersten IF

The Phoenixes carried on their winning streak and won 2-0 with a goal from Millie H and one from Maelys.

AFC Stoneham U13 Phoenixes vs Mumbles Rangers FC (1)

The Phoenixes dominated the game leading 2-0 (Ali and Maelys) but the opposition managed to come back in the last 2 minutes leading to a draw 2-2.

Great performance from the team overall ending the day first of their group and second overall.

Holland Easter Open Day 2

AFC Stoneham U13 Phoenixes vs Albertslund IF

Tight game. The phoenixes were dominating, giving the opposition a hard time.

Great goal at the 17th minute from Amelie W gave us the victory. 1-0

AFC Stoneham U13 Phoenixes vs Knights Templar School (1)

We got to play this team a second time in the tournament.

All battled well and it ended in a draw 0-0

AFC Stoneham U13 Phoenixes vs DSV Sint Anthonis

The girls knew they needed to win and score as many goals as possible to secure a place in the final and they didn’t disappoint!

Ali started with a goal after 2 minutes and Cara followed with a hat trick leading to a 4-0 win which got them first place in the group and a ticket to the final!!!

Final vs Procision Football Academy

The Phoenixes went against the strongest team in the tournament but did not back down, battled hard and defended really well and secured a 0-0 draw at full time.

This meant the competition had to end like all the best competitions do with penalties!!!

Goalkeeper Harriet was fantastic and managed to save two penalties, which allowed them to win 4-3 after the opposition missed their last one.

And just like that, U13G Phoenixes won their first tournament of this summer in the Holland Easter Open .

Back to Centerparcs for an evening of celebrations, singing and just having an amazing time - all enabled by a shared passion of Football.

Huge thanks to our coaches Josh Willis, Joe Hodge, and Debora Pietras who helped organise the whole trip.

A truly amazing weekend of football, friendship and fun.

#afcstoneham

#upthepurps

WOMENS RECREATIONAL FOOTBALL

Mums wanted !!

AFC Stoneham are starting a Women's Social Football session for mums of our clubs young players.

This is a recreational/social session enabling mums to try football and get involved with a great group of other mums.

Please note that this session is not aimed at current players from the Women's Super League.

Sessions will take place on a Tuesday from 8-9pm. Please see details below.

We look forward to seeing as many mums as possible.

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HISTORY MAKERS!! HAMPSHIRE SENIOR CUP WINNERS

HISTORY MAKERS!

April 15th - Hampshire Senior Cup final

AFC Stoneham 3

AFC Portchester 0

Scorers: Jenkins, Bainbridge, Fee.

A historic and truly wonderful night for our football club as we won the Hampshire Senior Cup for the first time in our 106 year history.

We raced into a 3-0 half time lead with a great team performance against the recently crowned Wessex Premier League Champions.

The second half was slightly more balanced and we defended resolutely to keep our clean sheet and record a historic result.

Well done boys on a superb night for the club on which everyone of you did us proud!!

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Largest grassroots club in the South and third in the UK

Largest grassroots football club in the South of England and third in the UK.

AFC Stoneham were delighted to learn this week that our club is now formally recognised as the largest grassroots football club in the South of England with 139 FA affiliated teams.

The club is in the top three in the UK from over 42,000 other grassroots football clubs.

We are immensely proud and delighted of this achievement which is a direct result of a huge amount of hard work by many people over a long period of time.

We would particularly like to recognise our 450 volunteer managers and coaches who through their fantastic commitment to grassroots football and our club make a very positive influence on many young people's lives and our local community.

A massive thank you to everyone who has contributed to this success and achievement.