Last updated : Tuesday, 04 March 2025
The Hampshire FA Play On League offers a flexible and casual approach to adult football in Hampshire, providing both men's and women's leagues that typically run on weekdays. These leagues are designed to accommodate players looking for a more relaxed football experience without the traditional weekend commitment.
The Play On League structure creates accessible opportunities for adults to stay active through football while balancing other life commitments. Participants enjoy organized competitive matches in a format that prioritizes enjoyment and inclusion rather than the intensity of traditional league structures.
The league has become increasingly popular as it bridges the gap between casual kickabouts and formal weekend competitions. With fixtures arranged midweek, players can maintain their football participation alongside work, family, and other weekend commitments, making it an attractive option for those with busy lifestyles.
History
The Hampshire FA Play On League is administered by the Hampshire Football Association, an organization founded in 1887. Hampshire FA serves as the governing body for all football activities within Hampshire and operates as a non-profit organization.
While specific details about the Play On League's founding date aren't mentioned in the search results, it exists within Hampshire's rich football tradition. The original Hampshire Football League was established in 1896 and was initially administered by Hampshire FA.
In 1993, The Football Association ruled that County FAs could no longer administer leagues. This significant change affected the structure of football competitions in Hampshire.
The original Hampshire Football League had an impressive 108-year run from 1896 until 2004. After this point, two new competitions emerged from it, including the Hampshire League 2004, which was considered an unofficial continuation.
The Play On League represents part of Hampshire FA's ongoing commitment to organizing football in the region. It maintains a structured format with regular fixtures, results tracking, and league tables to support competitive play.
Players and teams can access comprehensive information about the league, including fixtures and results, through the league's official channels. This transparency helps maintain the competitive integrity of the competition.
Age Groups and Divisions
The Hampshire FA Play On League offers various divisions catering to different age groups and skill levels across Hampshire. The league structure includes several key divisions that players can participate in based on their age and location.
In Basingstoke, the Play On League features two main divisions: the Premiership and Championship. These divisions provide competitive opportunities for players of different skill levels in the Basingstoke area.
For veterans, the Bournemouth Veterans Play On League offers specialized competition for older players who wish to continue their football journey. This division recognizes the importance of providing playing opportunities across all age ranges.
The Cosham Play On League represents another geographical division within the Hampshire FA structure, serving players in that specific region.
Additionally, the Hampshire FA Royals Youth League and Futsal Play On League provide specialized formats, with the former focusing on youth development and the latter on the fast-paced indoor variation of the sport.
All divisions within the Hampshire FA Play On League structure are designed to be inclusive, offering playing opportunities for various age groups from youth to veterans. This comprehensive approach ensures that players throughout Hampshire have access to appropriate competitive football regardless of their age or location.
Committee/Staff/Contacts
The Hampshire FA Play On League is managed by a dedicated team of staff who ensure smooth operations across all competitions. Kel is the primary contact for Play On League queries, handling Club and League Development as well as Small Sided Football matters.
For disability football concerns within the league, Rory Bentley serves as the Football Development Officer with a specialization in disability inclusion initiatives.
League rules specify that each team should have a non-playing member as part of their official representation. This requirement helps maintain proper administration and communication channels between the league and participating clubs.
For official correspondence regarding the Hampshire Premier Football League, clubs must email the League Secretary. Currently, this position is held by Paul Crocker, who can be reached at paulcrocker71@gmail.com.
The Hampshire FA maintains a complete staff directory for those seeking specific contacts within the organization. Their website also features a Customer Feedback Form for those wishing to provide input on league operations or experiences.
Key Contacts:
- Kel - Play On League queries, Club and League Development
- Rory Bentley - Football Development Officer (Disability Lead)
- Paul Crocker - League Secretary (paulcrocker71@gmail.com)
For additional information, the Hampshire FA website provides comprehensive contact details and a customer service charter outlining their commitment to supporting local football.
Teams
The Hampshire FA Play On League features a diverse range of teams across various divisions. According to available information, the league currently hosts 58 teams participating in regular competition.
These teams compete in both men's and women's divisions, offering inclusive opportunities for adult footballers throughout Hampshire. The men's Play On Leagues provide casual and flexible participation options, with fixtures typically scheduled for midweek evenings.
Similarly, the women's Play On Leagues follow the same format, emphasizing accessibility and flexibility for female players. This structure allows participants to enjoy competitive football without the strict commitments of traditional league formats.
The league also includes specialized divisions such as the Bournemouth Veterans Play On League, which caters specifically to older players. This veterans' division is actively recruiting new teams for upcoming seasons.
Teams in the Hampshire FA Play On League can easily track their progress through fixtures, results, and league tables. Individual and team statistics are maintained throughout the season, allowing for performance tracking and friendly competition.
For teams interested in joining, the Hampshire FA provides straightforward entry processes through their official channels. New team applications are welcomed, particularly for specialized divisions like the Veterans League which currently has spaces available.
Players
The Hampshire FA Play On League features a diverse range of registered players participating in this flexible football competition. With Hampshire FA being one of the largest county Football Associations in the country, the league benefits from a substantial player base.
Hampshire FA as a whole has over 100,000 registered players across more than 10,000 teams. This creates a deep talent pool for the Play On League to draw from, ensuring competitive and engaging matches.
Several notable players have made their mark in the Hampshire FA Play On League. These include Jordan Baker, Sam Bennett, Adam Bourner, Lee Burch, Kel Crook, and Tom Farr among others.
The Play On League provides an important platform for adult male footballers seeking a more casual and flexible approach to the sport. Players typically participate in midweek fixtures, allowing them to balance their sporting commitments with work and other responsibilities.
Registration for the league is straightforward, and the format encourages participation from players of varying skill levels. This inclusive approach has helped the league maintain healthy competition while remaining accessible to newcomers.
The players bring diverse playing styles and backgrounds to the league, contributing to its reputation as an enjoyable and worthwhile footballing experience in Hampshire.
