Southampton FC Announce New Affiliate Grassroots Partnership with AFC Stoneham

The partnership represents Southampton FC’s long-standing commitment to supporting the grassroots game and local clubs, providing meaningful development opportunities at every level of football.

Through this collaboration, Southampton FC will work closely with AFC Stoneham to deliver authentic, sustainable and aspirational development experiences, aligned with the Club’s renowned player development philosophy – The Southampton Way.

Recognised globally as a leading authority in youth player development, Southampton FC will support AFC Stoneham players through a series of football development opportunities delivered throughout the school holidays, including access to the Club’s popular Soccer Schools and Player Development Camps. These programmes will be designed to inspire their young players, challenge them appropriately, and provide high-quality coaching experiences rooted in the Club’s proven methodology.

The partnership will also extend beyond player development, with continued investment in coach education and wider club engagement. AFC Stoneham coaches will benefit from CPD workshops delivered by Southampton FC staff, supporting the ongoing development of coaches across the club and strengthening standards throughout the grassroots environment.

In addition, the affiliation will provide AFC Stoneham with a range of unique opportunities, including fixtures against Southampton FC’s international academy partners, access to match tickets at St Mary’s Stadium, and wider club engagement initiatives designed to positively impact the whole AFC Stoneham community — not just its players.

Importantly, the partnership sits alongside Southampton FC’s existing relationships across the grassroots game and reflects the Club’s desire to continue growing the game collaboratively, building on the work already taking place with many grassroots clubs locally and nationally.

Tom Grevatt, Head of Football Programmes at Southampton FC, said:

“We’re incredibly proud to launch this affiliate grassroots partnership with AFC Stoneham. This is our first partnership of its kind and an important step in how we continue to support and strengthen the grassroots game.

We have a long history of working with excellent grassroots clubs, and this partnership represents an extension of that continued commitment. AFC Stoneham share our values, ambition and passion for player and coach development, and together we’re excited to create authentic experiences that benefit the wider club and community.

Growing the game, supporting coaches, and inspiring young players sits at the heart of everything we do, and this partnership allows us to compliment the positive experiences the players are already receiving.”

Mark Stupple, the Chairman of AFC Stoneham states:

“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”

The Affiliate Grassroots Partnership with AFC Stoneham reflects Southampton FC’s broader vision to support football at every level, ensuring the Club continues to play a positive role in the development of players, coaches and communities across the game.

We have a growing portfolio of Affiliate Partners which supports likeminded clubs and organisations with their ambitions on and off the pitch. For further details on the AFC Stoneham Affiliate Grassroots Partnership, or for enquiries, email: [email protected].