The FA have confirmed applications for promotion into the Wessex League (Step 6) from Stockbridge and Clanfield for the 2023/24 season.

Stockbridge currently sit second in the Senior Division table, level on points with leaders, Andover New Street Swifts, while Clanfield lie seventh, following their 2-2 draw with local rivals, Harvest, at the weekend.

Three further applications have been received for consideration into the Wessex League, from Thames Valley Premier Division run-away leaders, Yateley United - recent victors over Locks Heath in the Hampshire Trophy; and Wiltshire Premier League duo, Devizes Town and Trowbridge Town. However, the latter two may be more geographically suited to the Western League, while Yateley could also feed into the Combined Counties.

Both Stockbridge and Clanfield would meet Wessex League ground grading criteria - Clanfield ground sharing at Havant & Waterlooville's Draper Tools Community Stadium - with a top five finish also required, prior to the FA's final decision and release of the NLS constitutions over the summer.

Speaking to the Portsmouth News, Clanfield boss, Lee Blakely said: "It’s no secret that the Wessex is the level we want to get to.

"The structure is in place - we’ve got an under-23s and a reserve team now. We’ll need a bigger squad if we go up.

"The club is in a great position, probably the best it’s been in for a long time.



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‘When I first took over (in the summer of 2019) we only had seven players, and that was for the first team and reserves. We’ve come on massively in the last few seasons.

"There’s a few teams that had the ambition, and we’re no different. We want to become a big club in the local area."

Stockbridge Manager, Fran Mathers, commented (on Twitter): "The players are working so hard behind the scenes and the whole group have never been stronger or more together.

"What will be will be, but with hard work and commitment we can achieve."

Three clubs, under FA Rules, are liable for relegation from the Wessex League this season.

The HPFL is simplifying its own on-boarding process for 2023/24, with renewals and new team applications to be completed solely online, for the first time.

Details will be released shortly, with an application deadline of April 30.