Club News
Top goalscorers in the country!
AFC Stoneham are top goalscorers in the first nine tiers of English football.
This covers 750 teams from the premier league right through to step five of the national pyramid.
We have scored 115 goals and are joint top goalscorers with Moneyfields who are also in our league. A great advert for the Wessex Premier League.
Who are we playing on Saturday??.............
Moneyfields.
Obviously going to be a goalless draw!!
Steppin Up and AFC Stoneham
What a fantastic night as our Girls U12 Pumas JPL and U14 Panthers collaborated with our friends from Steppin Up to produce a music video celebrating dance and football for girls on our main stadium pitch.
60 energetic young ladies dancing and playing football together to the song "Freed from Desire" as the producer choreographed all of the moves and dances for the video.
The video will be launched at a private red carpet viewing event on April 13th.
A huge thank you to all of the girls from Steppin Up and our own girls for making such a fantastic night!
Well done to everyone
GIRLS FOOTBALL AT AFC STONEHAM
AFC Stoneham are recruiting Girls for next season across all age groups for both our 24 existing Girls teams and brand new teams.
We are also looking to invite more girls into our Wildcats Centre and young teams at U7-U10. Wildcats is an introduction to football for Girls aged 5-11 in a Fun, Safe and Enjoyable environment with qualified coaches.
If interested please contact:
chairman@afcstoneham.co.uk
07841696579
Please do come along and join in
Thank you
Please share.
AFC Stoneham are now recruiting for boys and girls across every age group for the new 24/25 season.
For information and to request joining our club for training please contact:
chairman@afcstoneham.co.uk
07841696579
Thank you.
U7 Tigers v U7 Hurricanes
This weekends action started with two of our U7 teams playing each other at Stoneham Lane.
The Tigers and Hurricanes had a tremendous end to end game played in a really good spirit.
Great to be able to post a photo of the players and management lining up before the game
Well done to everyone on a great game
U18 Panthers - Champions!
Our U18 Panthers sealed the City of Southampton Division One title this afternoon with a 3-2 win at Colden Common.
A brace from Jacob Elliot and a solo effort from Allesio completed another championship winning season for the boys.
Team manager George Marks said" I could not be more proud of the boys who have shown great commitment all season and have been superb since we started pre-season training last summer".
Well done to George, Matt and all of the boys on a brilliant achievement.
Please share
Sunday 24th March 2024
Round up by Rachel
U9 Eagles v Hamble Spitfires
A strong start today with most of the first quarter spent in the opposition's half applying pressure with well worked, intelligent passing.
Hamble got plenty of bodies behind the ball for the next couple of quarters, making it difficult for us to find the space needed to reach threatening positions.
The strong breeze made it tricky for both teams and highlighted how we need to try to be aware of how the conditions can alter the weight of pass to limit mistakes.
The fourth quarter, with a couple of changes to keep legs fresh, saw us kick on and protect the ball better before using it more effectively when we had it.
Kian put in a MOTM performance for a solid all round display - tenacity in defence and winning the ball back after mistakes, a first thought forward approach when on the ball and crisp, penetrating passes through the lines from midfield. Not forgetting a couple of beautiful deft touches to bring the ball under control from the air.
Further mentions for:
Harry - who had a busy day and was solid as ever.
James - picking up an assist on all goals, an area we continue to work on!
Captain Quinn - dominated the game at the end after pushing into midfield and earning himself a well-deserved goal.
Well done all!
U11 Spitfires v Littleton Vipers
STONEHAM SPITFIRES SOAR INTO THE FINAL!
Another commanding performance this morning from the Spitfires, flying past the Littleton Vipers and into the final of the Under 11 Red division Tyro Challenge Cup.
At half time the Spitfires were leading 3-0 but didn't ease up in the second half securing another 2. The quality teamwork, pace and determination continued in what was a thoroughly entertaining match.
Today's goals were scored by Max, Luthi, Jack and Tomo.
Player of the match was Alfie for his hard work on the wing.
Congratulations boys. We're all looking forward to the final on the 5th May!
U11 Royals
Great game again for the Royals, another 5 goals for the boys to add to their tally, full of energy and drive, they showed great team play, which is keeping spirits high.
Goal scorers:
Romeo
Abel
Aiden
Jahfa
Emaan
MOTM : Romeo Ndoci
U12 Wolves v Romsey Town Cougars
A resilient team performance today from the amazing Wolves led to a deserved 4-2 win.
This game had drama, tension and some great football from both teams as the Wolves once again drew on inner strength and team spirit to get the result they wanted.
Adam, recovering from illness, bravely stepped up to score a penalty inside five minutes, before an outstanding short passing move involving five players ended with Ahmed setting up Muhammed to score our second just ten minutes later. Ahmed and Muhammed are both technically gifted players who are learning difficult roles and can have very bright futures in the game.
Romsey now replied with a wave of attacks that brought them two goals, in between which Dominik made his first of two remarkable reaction saves in this game. Such a talented goalkeeper with huge potential!
Jude then made a great tackle to prevent a goalscoring opportunity but injured himself doing so, although he was determined to continue for as long as possible until the pain eventually forced him off, a true leader whose commitment is an example to everyone. Harry slotted perfectly into central defence, showing positional awareness and good forward passing, and together with the fast-thinking Alfie they made sure the rest of the game was played in the Romsey half.
Injuries, illness and tiredness meant frequent changes today, with Talal in particular showing great teamwork by having to play in different positions. Evan added his attacking qualities down the right and was unlucky with a thunderbolt shot that hit the post, while Frankie had run himself into the ground, being a threat all day down the right including sometimes cutting inside to create panic in the opposition defence.
The Wolves are now fully able to absorb all these changes during a game without disrupting the flow of their play.
Rayane was now team leader on the pitch but he also led the change up in our tempo by pressing in midfield, winning possession, making defence splitting passes, and there was a sense the third goal was coming. It did come from Dylan who was outstanding running up and down the left, making plenty of crosses and showing strength and determination throughout. At the pivotal moment in the match, he was central inside the area, a Romsey player made an infringement, the ref gave a penalty, Dylan grabbed the ball, placed it on the spot and slammed it into the back of the net. No pressure there!
It was then Dylan again who provided the assist for the agile Muhammed to dance between defenders and score the fourth.
Resilience had been key today. The Wolves started fast, were pegged back and had changes forced on them but never panicked, always kept going and always believed they were going to win. Well done boys!
Well done guys
Our first team have six league games remaining plus a Wessex League Cup semi final. We are also guaranteed a play off place.
Our remaining known fixtures are as follows:
HOME: Tuesday March 26 7.45pm kick off v United Services Portsmouth
AWAY: Saturday March 30 3pm kick off v Moneyfields
AWAY: Tuesday April 2nd 7.45pm kick off v AFC Portchester - Wessex League Cup semi final
AWAY: Wednesday April 10th 7.45pm kick off v Fareham Town
HOME: Saturday April 13th 3pm kick off v Cowes Sports
AWAY: Tuesday April 16th 7.45pm kick off v Hythe and Dibden
HOME: Saturday April 20th 3pm kick off v AFC Portchester
We very much appreciate any support that you can give the boys during this important part of the season.
Club of the Month award
We were delighted to receive the Wessex League January Club of the month award on Saturday from league Chairman Bob Purkiss MBE.
Well done to the squad for another tremendous month.
AFC Stoneham comfortably beat Sherborne Town 5-2 to maintain a four-point lead at the top of the Wessex Premier League.
The Purps are now on a ten-game unbeaten run and have full confidence going into the business end of the season.
The Purps took the lead in the 4th minute, when top scorer Duarte Martins finished from close range after Josh Batt’s initial header had been saved.
A lightening quick start saw the lead doubled on the 7th minute, this time Josh Batt nodding home from another excellent corner.
Stoneham player Owen Fee said, “We started the game very positively with two quick goals, despite being relatively average throughout the first half.”
Sherborne Town responded quickly, when Ollie Hebbard finishing a well-worked move down the left-hand side.
The Purps’ effective pressing eventually paid off as a disastrous mistake at the back led to Tyrell Sampson being clean through, where he made no mistake and calmly slotted past Sherborne keeper Liam Morris.
Before half time, the Purps had keeper Callum Lee to thank, making a couple of incredibly smart saves to maintain the two-goal advantage and go into half time 3-1 up.
Following the break it was one-way traffic, as the Purps’ dominance in possession proved too much for the visitors.
“In the second half we looked a lot sharper, brought on some subs and saw out the game well.
Our mentality is very good, and we just must keep doing our job in this title race.”
On the 55th minute Tyrell Sampson scored the pick of the goals, bringing the ball down excellently and getting his second of the game with a well-placed finish.
“Tyrell was always lively, and carried a real throughout the game,” said Assistant manager Graham Purser.
This was swiftly followed by substitute Liam Callaghan reacting first and poking home a fifth, after good work from a short corner.
As the game petered out, Sherborne found a consolation in the 86th minute, Ben Wood finishing smartly at the near post from eight yards out.
“We’re going to need all our front players to contribute throughout this title race and each week we have to keep them hungry and firing.”
“Lewis Nagle was a massive threat and Duarte Martins was a handful throughout the game.”
.
FA Grant award
People Plan - Recruitment of volunteers with disabilities.
AFC Stoneham is pleased to announce that we have been awarded a grant from Hampshire FA to support our recruitment of volunteers with disabilities.
We have created a People Plan with a specific goal of using the creation of our disability teams to attract volunteers with disabilities, which is part of our Club Development Plan.
We have created a Deaf Team (Adults) and a Pan-Disability Team (Children) both of which began training in January 2024 in preparation for the upcoming 2024-2025 season. We continue to seek players and volunteers for these teams, as well as within our mainstream pathways. If you’d like to become involved, please contact Mark Stupple at chairman@afcstoneham.co.uk.
AFC Stoneham is hugely proud to be developing our Disability Pathway further and the grant award for our Disabled Volunteers People Plan is another step forward and recognition of the work being undertaken.
We would like to thank Hampshire FA and especially Glenn Brailey for their support towards our club in respect of Pan Disability Football.
Thank you
We host Sherborne from Dorset on Saturday (Feb 24) at Stoneham Lane with a 3pm kick off.
Our visitors currently sit 10th in the league with possibilities of making a play off place at the end of the season , their first in the Wessex League.
Admission prices:
Adults £7
Concessions £4
Under 16 Free
All AFC Stoneham registered players and one parent - Free
All local support is hugely appreciated and does make a difference.
Please come along and support the Purps!!
Scorers: Gilpin (2), Sunley(2) , Nagle
Another excellent win for our U23s tonight.
The boys now sit second in the league behind Dorchester Town followed by Weymouth and Winchester City
Well done boys!
A superb result for our ladies reserves on Sunday who reached their first ever cup final!
They defeated Millbrook Ladies 5-3 in todays semi final who had only lost once this season before today and had previously drawn with and beaten our girls.
Another great indication of the progress made this season with a squad of predominately 17 and 18 year olds under the leadership of the experienced management duo of Rees and Neil. Manager Rees Pake said “I have been absolutely delighted with the progress the girls have made this season, their first ever in Senior football. The Millbrook game, more than any, illustrates this progress against an experienced side who will probably win our league.
Millbrook have already drawn with us and beat us earlier in the season but the progress could be seen today in the way the girls were far more able to compete on a physicality and speed level with a strong team which was not always so evident in the earlier part of the season.”
The girls have climbed the second division of the Hampshire County Womens league and currently sit second whilst being hopeful of gaining promotion to the top division for next season.
Well done girls on a fantastic result!!
Thank you to non-league blogger and ground hopper Base of the Pyramid for visiting us on Sunday and posting a report on our Ladies First team v Fleet Town.
This Sunday BotP took the opportunity to visit a new ground and watch two new teams. A 3 hour round trip of 156 miles to the Stoneham Lane Football Complex, but well worth it. The game in question was the Southern Region Women's League Division One South clash between AFC Stoneham and Fleet Town.
This would be their first meeting of a season that has, so far, been a great contrast for the teams. Following the withdrawal of Eastleigh Reserves, who Fleet drew with on the opening day, Town are still looking for their first point of the season, albeit having only played seven. However, they have been a different team in cup competitions, last week's 5-2 defeat of Abbey Rangers a prime example of this change in form. Stoneham are still in with a genuine chance of winning the league but, after losing their last home league game against Havant & Waterlooville, need to ensure they don't drop any more points before they face title-rivals Portchester in 2 weeks time.
The game ran to form almost from the very first minute. Stoneham quickly established themselves as the dominant force but a combination of solid Fleet defensive work and sloppy final balls kept the scores level for much of the first-half. Top scorer Chloe Melton was the first home player to get a strike off but her third-minute effort went well wide of the target. Jodie Freeman-Woods was the first to make Jenna Temple work but even then her 12th minute effort was comfortable for the goalkeeper. Just past the quarter-hour mark the Fleet defence, which up until then had looked quite solid, showed a little hesitancy which allowed Chloe Melton to latch onto a loose ball. However, her shot again went wide.
The pressure on the visitors was relentless with the ball rarely making it into the home half of the pitch, and Stoneham came very close to opening the scoring on 20 minutes. Following a corner which was cleared to the edge of the box, full-back Kayden Wood struck a glorious effort that beat Temple but not the woodwork, crashing back off the crossbar. Laura Ingram reacted quickly to get onto the rebound but Temple got across swiftly to block the follow-up and keep it at 0-0.
Temple saves the spot-kick....
but not the rebound
Temple was called into action again six minutes later. Melton swung in a peach of a ball behind the last line of defence but curling away from the goalkeeper. Larnie Bisson came in from the left flank and looked odds on to finish before Temple threw herself bravely at her feet forcing the Stoneham player to put her shot narrowly wide of the post. A great piece of goalkeeping, closely followed by another decent save after a cross from the left went through to Meadow Barton coming in from the right. Temple again was there to keep out the strike.
With ten minutes to go before the break and Fleet still hanging on to a goalless score line, Stoneham got a glorious opportunity to go in front when Heather McCabe brought down Chloe Melton just inside the box. A clear penalty. No complaints from Fleet.
Melton stepped up to take the spot-kick but was once again thwarted by Jenna Temple. However, the keeper was unfortunate to see her parry fall back into the path of the Stoneham striker, who gobbled up the rebound. 1-0
The goal sparked a good response from Fleet who, almost immediately, registered their first real effort at goal when Ruby Harwood struck a shot on the turn from the edge of the box. Lucy Venables looked unworried but it was not too far wide of her right-hand post.
With the clock ticking down, it looked very much like Stoneham were only going to take a single goal lead into the half-time interval. However, in the last minute captain Laura Ingram tried her luck from way out, forcing Temple into a full-length save to turn the ball around the post. From the resulting corner, delivered right under the bar towards the back post, Abbie Awdas was on hand to prod the ball over the line and double the lead. 2-0
HT AFC Stoneham 2 Fleet Town 0. Fleet up against it and defending well with Jenna Temple producing a string a very good stops. Stoneham dominated the ball but didn't appear to be firing on all cylinders.
Fleet clear their lines
If Fleet had any thoughts of getting back into the game they were extinguished two minutes into the second period. Larnie Bisson, who had switched to the right flank, burst past her defender before cutting the ball back across the penalty area for Chloe Melton to slide in and guide the ball home, despite the best efforts of Temple, who got a fingertip on the strike. 3-0.
As with the first goal, the third generated a response from Fleet. Their top-scorer Dot Usher flashed a snapshot just wide of the post. However, chances for the visitors were few and far between.
The reason that Bisson had switched to the right was to make room for Chloe Marshall to come in on the left hand side. Just past the hour mark the substitute made the first of what was to be three very telling contributions. Collecting the ball out on the left flank, Marshall stepped inside before curling a superb shot into the 'postage stamp' of the opposite corner. Nothing that Temple could do with a strike of that quality.
4-0.
It really was game over now and, consequently, there was something of a lull in the game. Fleet made more changes and huffed and puffed, but Stoneham were completely in command of the game. One of the reasons for this was the total dominance of the Stoneham midfield. As the father of a young central midfielder, I was really wishing my daughter had been at the game so that she could have had a free lesson on how to play her position. The pairing of Abbie Awdas and Mia Flood were, at times, perfectly demonstrating some of the skills I have been trying to get her to hone. Awdas makes the position look simple. Always available to receive the ball. Calm and comfortable. One touch, and a well-weighted pass to a player in space. Football really is simple when you break it down to its basics. Flood is a totally different player, buzzing around, snapping into tackles all over the pitch, she really gets in the face of her opponents. A very difficult combination to play against.
On 85 minutes Chloe Marshall was at it again. Chloe Melton played an intelligent reverse pass which allowed Marshall to smash in an almost identical finish, once again giving the keeper no chance whatsoever. 5-0
That could well have been that. However, there was still just about enough time for Marshall to grab her hat-trick when she latched onto a ball across the edge of the box, controlled well and unleashed a low drive just out of Temple's reach. 6-0. Three excellent strikes from Marshall.
FT AFC Stoneham 6 Fleet Town 0. A comfortable victory for Stoneham, who keep up the pressure at the top end of the table. Fleet defended stoutly for much of the game and never threw in the towel. Goalkeeper Jenna Temple made a number of good saves but the team could never get a grip on the game at all. Stoneham were just that bit too good all across the pitch. The result lifts Stoneham into third spot, level on points with AFC Portchester, having played two more games. Both Stoneham and Portchester are five adrift of Havant & Waterlooville but have two and four games in hand respectively. The March 10th clash between The Purps and Portchy is now looking like a massive potential title decider. Fleet's search for a point goes on but they don't have the best run-in to the season. Not only do they have to face Stoneham again, they also are yet to play Portchester home and away plus, next up, the visit of leaders Havant next Sunday. Stoneham make the short journey to Bournemouth Sports Reserves on Sunday. They won the reverse fixture 5-0 back in October through two each from Mia Delaney and Mia Flood and one from Chloe Melton.
Another great afternoon of football. The only downside was having to shoot off immediately after the final whistle. I didn't get time to chat with Abbie Awdas as originally planned. Next time. Maybe even at the Portchester game in 2 weeks, if I can make it.
AFC Stoneham: 13.Venables, 2.Wood, 3.Curtis, 4.Feeman-Woods, 5.Ingram(c), 6.Stevens, 8.Awdas, 9.Melton, 10.Flood, 11.Bisson, 17.Barton. Subs: 7.Marshall, 12.Tuck, 14.Lewis, 15.Dancer, 16.Delaney
Fleet Town: 1.Temple, 15.Benton, 6.Burrows(c), 10.Graves, 4.McCabe, 3.Wise, 12.Usher, 11.Harwood, 8.Greenaway, 13.Paterson, 18.James. Subs: 7.Dias, 14.Barker, 5.Tafrey
The Ground
Stoneham Lane Football Complex is a large facility situated between Eastleigh and Southampton. Eastleigh FC's Silverlake Stadium is a just a few hundred yards North, separated by the M27. Less than half a mile to the East is Southampton Airport. The complex, accessed off Stoneham Lane, has two large car parks, one adjacent to the facility and an overflow on the opposite side of Stoneham Lane. It needs them. This is an extremely busy and well-used community facility and, like Rushmoor a couple of weeks back, it's great to see so many players, of all ages, male and female, taking part in the game. There are three full-size 3G pitches. The two community pitches are marked up to provide small-sided football at all ages (the club proudly has 113 teams this season, with over 1,000 players). Access to all pitches is through the reception building. Please note that you need to register and obtain a QR code to gain access through the turnstile system. You can do this on the day by scanning a code on your mobile. Once inside you will find all of the usual facilities, including the Pitchside Café, which provides refreshments and looks out over the main pitch. There's another turnstile between the café and the stadium which is used for access on matchdays. However, as the women's games are free entry, the turnstile was not in use and the gate next to it was open. There is a covered seating stand to the right hand side as you enter, straddling the halfway line. The dugouts are on the opposite side, the motorway side. Currently, there is no other spectator cover, just hard-standing and fencing surrounding the entire playing surface.
Ground Number: 397
Att:
Entrance: N/A
Programme: N/A
Player recruitment - U11 Boys Falcons
Our U11 Boys Falcons are interested in hearing from potential new players for next season (U12).
The team is at the development stage and led by a UEFA C coach.
Please contact Peter 07725816784
Please share.
Thank you.
Please read in conjunction with the “Come and Join us” article. Thank you.
Player recruitment - U13 Girls (U14 24/25 season)
Our current U13 Girls are now actively looking for players for next season.
The club will be creating a new Girls team (U14. 24/25 season) which will be a development team for girls wishing to start on their football journey or who may have played for a season or two.
The new team will be in addition to our current U13 Lionesses who play in division two and are also now looking for new players.
Please contact Tony on 07701 341212.
Please share
Thank you.
Please also see “Come and Join us” article in respect of recruitment across all AFC Stoneham teams.
Girls Teams - Recruitment
AFC Stoneham are very proud of the development of our girls football in recent years having grown from one team some 6 years ago to 25 teams today.
We are now recruiting for both new and existing girls teams across all age groups and are keen to discuss opportunities with any interested party.
We are particularly interested in encouraging girls aged 6-9 who may want to start their football journey to make contact.
Please contact:
chairman@afcstoneham.co.uk
07841696579
Please share
Thank you.
AFC Stoneham are now recruiting across all age groups for boys and girls with a view to the 24/25 season.
If interested please contact: chairman@afcstoneham.co.uk or 07841696579
Age groups refer to 24/25 season.
New U7 Age group - 8 teams
The club will create another eight mixed teams in our youngest age group for the new season. These teams have now started training on a Thursday and Friday evening and will be entered in leagues for the new season starting in September.
U7 - U11 Girls
We are creating new teams in each age group for our youngest girls teams.
U7 - New team
U8 - New team
U9 - Our current three teams will expand into four.
U10 - Our current team will expand to create a new team.
U12 Girls - New players wanted to add to existing four teams
U13 Girls - New players wanted to add to our existing six teams
U14 Girls - New players wanted to create a new team
U16 Boys - New players wanted to add to existing teams
U14 Boys - New players wanted to add to our existing five teams
U8-U12 Boys - New players wanted to add to existing teams
We are also interested in hearing from any teams or coaches who would be interested in moving over to AFC Stoneham for the new season.
Please contact : chairman@afcstoneham.co.uk or 07841696579
Thank you
AFC Stoneham - FA Three Star Accreditation.
We are delighted to announce that AFC Stoneham have again been awarded a Three Star Club Accreditation.
The club is amongst only 4-5% of Grassroots Clubs in the country who are awarded a Three Star Accreditation by the FA and their highest award.
The FA recognise accredited clubs who aim to raise standards in the grassroots game through supporting the development of those clubs. It also recognises and rewards commitment, quality and achievement. The clubs who achieve The FA Charter Standard demonstrate they offer well-run and sustainable football.
All Three star FA Accredited Clubs offer the complete accredited player pathway for both male and female whilst offering a minimum of one disability team at any age group, all playing within FA sanctioned League competitions.
The FA embarks on a journey to grow, develop and support a collaborative and sustainable club and league network which unites communities by providing opportunities for all.
Three Star clubs offer more playing opportunities, look to grow participation, involve a variety of different people and offer different formats for male, female and disability players in their football environments.
The award is further testimony to the growth and continued development of our club.
As always, we wish to thank all of the fantastic volunteers who make this award and recognition possible.
Another proud day for AFC Stoneham.
![Nisa_Logo_4col_AW01[1] (2).jpg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5dc9f9978eda8c300ddb0e26/1612482848367-T0VL5I8BVTBLSGAN9GHP/Nisa_Logo_4col_AW01%5B1%5D+%282%29.jpg){kind=logo}
