Country | England |
---|---|
Founded | 1986 |
Divisions | Premier Division Division One |
Number of teams | 43 22 (Premier Division) 21 (Division One) |
Level on pyramid | Levels 9–10 |
Feeder to | Southern League Division One South & West |
Domestic cup(s) |
FA Cup FA Vase Wessex League Cup |
Current champions |
Salisbury (Premier Division) Portland United (Division One) (2015–16) |
Website | Official |
2016–17 Wessex Football League |
The Wessex Football League is an English association football league formed in 1986, with its premier division currently at the fifth step of the National League System, or the ninth tier of the overall English football league system. The participating clubs are mainly based in Hampshire, but the league also encompasses clubs from adjoining counties such as Dorset, Wiltshire, Berkshire, and the Isle of Wight. Under the terms of a sponsorship contract, the league is officially known as the Sydenhams League.
In 2004, it absorbed most of the clubs from its feeder league, the Hampshire League, which formed a new Division Two and Division Three. In 2006 the divisions were renamed as the Premier Division and Divisions One and Two. At the end of the 2006–07 season, Division Two was disbanded, and most of the clubs formed a new Hampshire Premier League.
Champions of the Wessex League who meet the relevant ground and financial requirements are eligible for promotion to the Southern League Division One South & West.
In 2004, the league expanded to three divisions.
In 2006, the divisions were renumbered, with the top division being renamed the Premier Division.
In 2007, Division Two was discontinued.
The Wessex League Cup, or 'Sydenhams League Cup' for sponsor purposes, is a domestic cup which all the Wessex League teams participate in.