CLUB ANNOUNCEMENT - CAMERON SMITH
Club Announcement-Cameron Smith
AFC Stoneham can confirm that First Team Ladies Manager Cameron Smith has decided to step down from his role at the end of the current season.
The club would like to place on record our heartfelt thanks to Cameron for everything he has given to AFC Stoneham over the past 10 years, including the last 7 years dedicated to leading, developing, and growing the women’s section during his time with the Ladies First Team.
Throughout his time at the club, Cameron has shown incredible commitment, passion, and selfless dedication. His tireless work behind the scenes, countless hours on the training pitch, and unwavering belief in the players have been instrumental in building the team and culture we have today. His impact reaches far beyond results on the pitch, helping to create a positive, supportive environment that has allowed so many players to grow and thrive.
We cannot thank Cameron enough for the time, energy, and care he has given not only to the Ladies First Team but to AFC Stoneham as a whole. His contribution to the club will leave a lasting legacy, and he will always be a valued and respected part of the AFC Stoneham family.
Up the Purps
VISIT OF LIZ JARVIS - MP FOR EASTLEIGH
Visit of Liz Jarvis MP.
We were delighted to meet Liz Jarvis, Member of Parliament for Eastleigh, last week as she made a visit to our ground with Cameron, Chief of Staff.
We discussed the progress that AFC Stoneham has made in recent years and the positive impact the club now has on our local community with a social impact value of £6.5m per year.
Our future plans and ideas were also presented for which Liz showed great interest and support.
A huge thank you to Liz and Cameron for taking the time to visit AFC Stoneham.
Thank you
FA VASE: Haywards Heath 1 AFC Stoneham 1 . 3-4 on pens
FA Vase - Last 16
Haywards Heath Town 1
AFC Stoneham 1
Scorer: Martins
AFC Stoneham won 4-3 on pens.
One of the greatest days and results in our clubs history as we progress to the quarter finals of the FA Vase for the first time in our 106 year history against the favourites to win the competition.
We took the lead on 52 minutes through an excellent Duarte Martins strike and would have been good value to be two or three up soon after however did not convert our chances.
This allowed a very good Haywards Heath team to gain momentum and pepper our goal. They equalised on 83 minutes from a long throw and only a great save from keeper Callum Lee kept the scores level at full time.
Lee then stepped forward with 600 home fans behind him to make two brilliant penalty saves from the hosts first two penalties.
Thomson, Callaghan and Fee all converted pens before the mercurial Martins stepped up to convert the winning penalty to spark scenes of pure jubiliation.
A truly outstanding performance on another wonderful day for our club!
FA VASE DRAW: LAST 16
We have been drawn away to either Great Yarmouth or Haywards Heath in the last 16 of the FA Vase on February 7th.
Their game was abandoned at 1-1 after 55 minutes on Saturday due to fog and they will try again on Sunday January 25th.
We reached the last sixteen of the competition last season before exiting on penalties to Andover New Street.
FA VASE:BARNSTAPLE 1 AFC STONEHAM 2
FA Vase 4th round (last 32)
Barnstaple 1
AFC Stoneham 2
Scorers: Thomson(pen) , Jenkins.
The pitch passed two inspections although was inevitably very wet and heavy.
We were probably slightly second best for the first 20 minutes as we adjusted to conditions and a partizan crowd of nearly 400.
However we started to get more control of the ball and Jake Thomson converted a penalty on 37 minutes after Tyrrell Sampson had been fouled to give us a half time lead although on the stroke of half time Duarte Martins also had what appeared to be a possible goal disallowed.
We missed good chances before Ollie Jenkins gave us a two goal lead on 55 minutes after more good work from Sampson.
In control at 2-0 sub Owen Fee was sent off on 88 minutes with Barnstaple eventually scoring from the resulting free kick.
Eight minutes of added time on a difficult pitch meant the boys had to defend resolutely before the ref finally blew his whistle to record another famous win and see us progress to the last 16 of the competition.
We also reached the last 16 stage last season in this national competition with over 700 entries and the prize of a Wembley final.
It has been a long couple of days however we travel back tonight with immense pride in our team.
Well done boys on a great result on another fantastic day for the club.
We thank Barnstaple for their hospitality and wish them the best of luck for the rest of the season.
#upthepurps
SOUTHAMPTON FC - PARTNERSHIP
Club Announcement.
AFC Stoneham announce new Affiliate Grassroots Partnership with Southampton FC
We are very proud and delighted that AFC Stoneham are today launching a new three year Affiliate Grassroots Partnership with Southampton Football Club.
This partnership is the very first of its type and will bring numerous benefits to the club and all of our players, managers and coaches.
On launching the partnership club chairman, Mark Stupple, said;
"AFC Stoneham are incredibly proud to be the first grassroots community club to form this type of affiliate grassroots partnership with Southampton Football Club.
All of our 1700 plus players and 500 club volunteer managers and coaches will undoubtedly benefit from the partnership allowing them all the opportunity to further progress and develop in many various ways whilst further enhancing our clubs positive effect within our local community.
From my meetings with the club, it was very obvious that our ethos and values align allowing both clubs to work closely together whilst Southampton Football Club will very much support and develop our club’s medium to long term vision”
Further details will follow whilst our club feels immense pride in being able to form this partnership on a historic day for AFC Stoneham.
Please share.
southamptonfc.com
www.southamptonfc.com
ABBYS HEROES - NEW PARTNER
Abby's Heroes partnership.
AFC Stoneham are proud and delighted to announce a new partnership with Abby's Heroes, the fantastic children's cancer charity.
The collaboration, made possible with support from law firm Womble Bond Dickinson, will involve an 18-month programme of fundraising and awareness raising activities to support the charity’s work with children with cancer and their families across the south coast.
Four or five of our younger teams will be wearing Abby's Heroes kit whilst the club aims to raise money for the charity at various events including our summer tournament and a charity football match.
Please see below link for a piece in the Southern Daily Echo announcing the partnership.
https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/.../25748007.afc-stoneham.../
A wonderful charity that AFC Stoneham are very proud to be working with.
Thank you
TEAM OF THE MONTH - DECEMBER
Wessex League Club of the Month.
We were delighted to be awarded the Velocity Wessex Leagues Club of the month for December after our 9-0 home win over Downton. A fitting performance.
The award was made by Nick Taplin, Wessex League Chairman and Hampshire FA Board member.
Well done guys on a very well deserved award.
#upthepurps
SUMMER TOURNAMENT - JULY 4 AND 5
We are delighted to confirm that our summer tournament will be on July 4 and 5 this year.
This will be our 10th tournament which last year attracted over 180 teams and 5000 people over the weekend with a waiting list for most age groups due to popularity.
We will be releasing further details over the next 7-10 days however if you wish to register your interest please email:
tournament@afcstoneham.co.uk or chairman@afcstoneham.co.uk
Thank you
New Neurodiversity and Mental Health Champion - Charlotte
We are delighted to announce that Charlotte Young, U12 Girls Coach has been appointed as the club’s first ever Neurodiversity and Mental Health Champion. This is an important step in our commitment to creating an inclusive, supportive environment for every player, family and coach within our club's community.
Charlotte brings a wealth of experience and passion to this role. As someone who is AuDHD herself, she understands first hand the challenges and strengths that come with neurodiversity. She has already made a significant impact by completing the Vault FMHA programme, and is currently studying for certification in children’s mental health and counselling, further enhancing her ability to support our players, managers and coaches.
Her focus will be supporting players who identify as neurodiverse or face mental health challenges, ensuring they feel understood and empowered to thrive both on and off the pitch. We believe that this will equip coaches with the knowledge and tools to recognise, understand, and support players in this space. To achieve this, training sessions and drop-in clinics will soon be available providing practical guidance and resources.
This initiative reflects our belief that football is for everyone and that mental health and neurodiversity should never be barriers to participation or success. Please join me in welcoming Charlotte to this vital role and supporting her efforts to make our club a place where every individual feels valued.
If you or a player need support or want more information, please reach out to Charlotte:
Email - charliem5@sky.com
Tel/WhatsApp - 07801 413612
Happy New Year and 2025 Headlines.
AFC Stoneham would like to wish a very happy new year to all of our players, parents, managers, coaches ,sponsors and volunteers.
Whilst very much looking forward to 2026 we would like to take this opportunity to highlight some of the outstanding moments and events of 2025.
Social Value Impact report - £6.5 M
During 2025 we commissioned a Social Value Impact report to quantify the amount of positive effect we have on our local community. We are so proud that this figure totalled over £6.5M
The report was structured around four key headings of Volunteers, Investment, Health and Our Community.
The report concluded that, “AFC Stoneham helps to create a united football environment that tackles inequalities, delivers inspirational opportunities and improves health for all within our community. We are at the heart of our community, generating defined social, health and economic benefits”.
Boys and Girls teams
AFC Stoneham was confirmed as the second largest grassroots community club in England during 2025 with 157 teams and over 1700 players which we are immensely proud of. Having grown our girls teams from one, only six years ago, to thirty four today the club now has the largest number of girls teams of any one grassroots club in the country.
Mens first team
Despite the huge disappointment of missing out on promotion via the play offs, having been league runners up for the second consecutive season by 19 points, we reached three cup finals winning two of them and notably the Hampshire Senior Cup for the first time on our 106 year history.
Ladies first team
Our ladies had another successful season finishing third in the league having been runners up during the two previous seasons. The club has been delighted with the progress of many young players from our junior teams progressing into our first team which we feel ensures a bright future still very much with the aim of progressing the team to the next level.
Nike / Kitlocker contract
In light of our growth and standing within grassroots clubs in England we were approached by Nike and Kitlocker to become a Nike Partner Club and signed a three year contract in the summer. The benefits are not just around kit and also allow for support in many other areas of the club aligned to our longer term aims and objectives.
Summer Tournament
We held our tenth consecutive summer tournament with over 5000 people and 180 teams visiting our home ground over the weekend. The Tournament is now established as one of the best and biggest in the South of England.
The Tournament will be held over the weekend of July 4 and 5 in 2026.
Kenyan Teams
AFC Stoneham were delighted to be able to form and fully support two new teams out in Kenya driven by our young coach Jacob Dockree who visited and set up the teams for us during the second half of 2025.
Sponsorship
The number of businesses now sponsoring our teams increased during 2025 in no small part due to our new Sponsors Brochure which is available via the club and on our website.
This increased sponsorship allows more teams to now play and train in our new Nike kit and supports the club moving forward. Every piece of sponsorship is hugely appreciated.
Thank you for your tremendous help and support during 2025 and we look forward to creating and sharing many more wonderful moments with you during 2026.
Happy New Year !
League tables and Fixtures - Useful Links
Our senior teams league tables and fixtures for the season can be found under “League Tables and Fixtures “ on our website.
Our next four first team home games are:
6/1/26 v Locks Heath 7.45 kick off SDFA Cup
10/1/26 v Downton 3pm kick off Wessex Premier league
31/1/26 v Hamble 3pm kick off Wessex Premier League
3/2/26 v Brockenhurst 7.45pm kick off Wessex Premier League
Our Ladies First teams next two home fixtures are::
18/1/26 v Winchester City Flyers 2pm kick off County Cup
8/2/26 v Bursledon 2pm kick off Womens Southern Regional league
Useful google links for information:
FA Full time Wessex Premier league
FA Full time Womens Southern Regional league
FA Full time Hampshire Combination League
Velocity Wessex League
LINK TO OUR NEW DIGITAL ONLINE PROGRAMME
Below is the link to our new digital online programme which is proving very popular.
This season we have been issuing an online digital programme, for which a unique code is issued each week, while also updating a QR code which is on display at Stoneham Lane upon entry.
Top at Christmas - Long way to go!!
We enter 2026 top of the Velocity Wessex Premier league after yesterdays 3-1 home win over second placed Petersfield. We are half way through our league programme having played 19 games.
The top positions going into 2026 are:
AFC STONEHAM P 19 GD 36 POINTS 49
PETERSFIELD P 20 GD 23 POINTS 46
HAMBLE P 20 GD 35 POINTS 41
BROCKENHURST P 20 GD 19 POINTS 35
PORTLAND UTD P 19 GD 18 POINTS 35
BAFFINS MILTON P 19 GD 14 POINTS 34
ANDOVER NEW ST P 20 GD 9 POINTS 33
SHERBORNE P 18 GD 14 POINTS 32
LAVERSTOCK P 19 GD 14 POINTS 31
HAMWORTHY REC P 18 GD 7 POINTS 29
DOWNTON P 19 GD 1 POINTS 26
CHRSTCHURCH P 20 GD -1 POINTS 25
We are also still involved in four cups , three at the quarter final stage and the last 32 of the FA Vase.
There is a long way to go and every game will undoubtedly be a big challenge and test during the second half of the season.
WE ARE RECRUITING
AFC Stoneham are always looking for new boys and girls to join our club with the right attitude.
If you would like to join our club or obtain more details please contact:
Mark 07841696579 chairman@afcstoneham.co.uk
Andirs managementsupport@afcstoneham.co.uk
Jensen - Outstanding Sportsmanship
Jensen - Outstanding Sportsmanship
U9 Hurricanes
We received a message this afternoon........
"Hi there, I’m not sure whether or not I have the right number but my son’s team have just played Stoneham u9s hurricanes and I really feel I need to feedback on the exceptional sportsmanship of their goalkeeper.
He complimented everyone on the opposition team, shook their hands and their managers’ hands before going to celebrate with his team. When they came off the pitch, he walked up to my son (who is goalkeeper for Netley yellows) to tell him that he’s a really good goalkeeper.
I really wanted to feedback to their coach at the time but they were leading the debrief. I wouldn’t normally message on WhatsApp with things like this but I couldn’t not feed this back. Please could you pass on to his coach/parents how impressed I was by him"
We have thanked the lady for taking the time to send such a fantastic message. We all hear the negative news but rarely do we hear or spread the positive news.....and there is more positive than negative!
As a club we are extremely fortunate and proud to have such wonderful children in our ranks such as Jensen.
Well done Jensen for setting such a great example of superb sportsmanship!
Thank you.
WESSEX LEAGUE PREMIER TEAM OF THE MONTH AWARD
Wessex League team of the month
AFC Stoneham.
We were delighted to be presented with the Wessex League Team of the Month for October yesterday after our victory over Baffins Milton Rovers.
Greg Dickson, league board member, made the presentation to our club president Geoff Smith.
Well done to everyone.
Thank you.
SUPER U12 GIRLS PHOENIX FIRST EVER WIN!!
Super U12 Girls Phoenix
What a day ....the teams first ever win!
U12 G Phoenix Vs Colden Common Royals - HFA Cup - 1st win for the team!!
On Silent Weekend, voices were quiet but hearts were loud.
The Phoenix girls showed that communication isn’t just about shouting loudly — it’s about trust, movement, and understanding. Every drill, every tactic, every lesson from training was on display today. From pressing as a unit to supporting each other off the ball, they played like a team that believes in each other, and it was a beautiful sight.
It wasn’t the easiest start, with an unlucky own goal from a corner in the 3rd minute. But instead of heads dropping, they fought back instantly. Lottie smashed down the left for the equaliser, Katie pulled off a stunning one-handed save, and Charlotte redeemed herself with a brilliant goal to put us ahead at half-time.
In the second half, they controlled the game with confidence, every single one of them playing their part. Lily added a well-taken goal, Keira made a heroic block on the line, and Charlotte sealed the win with her second of the day. Final score: 4-1 to the Phoenix, who now progress to the next round of the cup!
Every pass, every run, every moment of support was a reflection of the trust and connection they’ve built. The bond these girls have is phenomenal — no egos, just a team relentlessly supporting each other. They’ve taken everything from training — the hard work, the learning, the commitment — and turned it into a performance that showed exactly what they’re capable of.
As coaches and parents, we couldn’t be prouder of how far they’ve come since the team was rebuilt in the summer. Today wasn’t just a win; it was proof of their growth, resilience, and unity. Never have they lived our motto more: as Phoenixes, they rose together. Always
Opposition POTM: Lottie – unstoppable on the wing and consistent week after week.
Parents & Coaches POTM: Charlotte – 2 goals, 2 assists, and tireless work rate earned her 2 awards!
What is "winning"? This is "winning"!!
Well done Phoenix. Proud of you all.
REMEMBERANCE WEEKEND
Remembrance Weekend
All of our teams are observing a minutes silence or applause this weekend.
The club has asked all of our managers to take time before hand to explain to the children as to why we observe and respect a minutes silence.
We honour the courage, sacrifice, and service of those who gave their lives.
Lest we forget.
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