Blog

As we gear up for another thrilling season of Division 2 football, we want to take a moment to extend our heartfelt appreciation to a partner who has stood beside us with unwavering support—Batemans Sports.

For over five years, Batemans Sports has been the official sponsor of our Presidents Cup and Chairman’s Challenge Cup competitions, playing a vital role in helping us deliver competitive, high-quality football to our clubs and communities. Their long-standing commitment is a shining example of what it means to invest in grassroots sport.

Based in Stroud, Batemans Sports is a trusted name in sporting excellence, offering a wide range of premium-quality gear and equipment for football, rugby, cricket, running, and more. Their passion for sport is reflected in every product and in their ongoing support of local leagues just like ours.

We invite everyone in our football family to check out their exceptional range at: www.batemanssports.co.uk

League Chairman Bill Beech shared his appreciation:

“Batemans Sports has been more than just a sponsor—they’ve been a true partner in our mission to grow and support local football. On behalf of the entire league, I want to thank them for their continued loyalty, generosity, and belief in what we do.”

We are incredibly proud and privileged to be backed by a business that values community and sport so deeply. Their support enables us to continue building competitions that players, fans, and clubs can be proud of.

Here’s to Batemans Sports—thank you for being such an essential part of our journey.

#BatemansSports #PresidentsCup #ChairmansChallengeCup #GrassrootsFootball #CommunityChampions #ThankYou #LocalFootballMatters

As part of our continued growth and commitment to our member clubs. We have launched a new Events calendar on our website.

www.hellenicleague.co.uk

Head to league news and find the link.

Here you can subscribe to the calendar and as things are added this will beam down to you device and any joint calendars. This is a simple way to keep up with key dates for the league.

We are committed to showing our clubs and members that we are listening and where we can, we will grow and find new ways to engage with you all.

Monday, May 5, 2025 will be a day remembered in the history books of the Hellenic League.

For the first time in the league’s proud history, an all-female team of match officials will take charge of the Hellenic League Cup Final—marking a groundbreaking moment for equality, representation, and progression in grassroots football.

Leading the team on the day will be Referee Imogen Hooper, whose calm authority and consistent decision-making have earned her respect across the region. She will be supported on the touchlines by Assistant Referees Rosie Johns and Ava Jordan, both known for their sharp focus and outstanding positional awareness. In the technical area, Lola Pollard will serve as Fourth Official, bringing her steady professionalism to this high-profile fixture.

This historic appointment is more than symbolic—it’s a celebration of talent, dedication, and the continual evolution of the game. These four women have excelled through the ranks, breaking barriers and setting new standards along the way. Their appointment to the cup final is thoroughly deserved and reflects the high regard in which they are held across the refereeing community.

The Hellenic League is extremely proud to have these incredible officials as part of our refereeing family. Their achievement not only inspires the next generation of female officials but also underscores our commitment to supporting diversity and excellence in every aspect of the game.

League Referee Officer Craig Davenport shared his pride in their journey, saying:

“I couldn’t be prouder to know and work with Imogen, Rosie, Ava, and Lola. They have excelled this season in both the men’s and women’s game, showing professionalism, resilience, and outstanding ability every time they step onto the pitch. It’s been a privilege to watch them develop, and I truly believe this is just the beginning. I look forward to seeing how far they can climb—because the top is well within their reach.”

As history is written on May 5th, the message is clear: talent knows no gender. And thanks to trailblazers like Hooper, Johns, Jordan, and Pollard, the future of football officiating looks brighter than ever.

The final whistle on Monday won’t just signal the end of a match—it’ll echo as the start of a new chapter

Abingdon United have secured their long-awaited return to Step 5 football following a commanding 2-0 victory over local rivals Wantage Town in the Step 6 play-off final.

In front of a buzzing crowd and under the pressure of derby day tension, both teams went in level at the break, locked at 0-0. But it was Abingdon who rose to the occasion in the second half, striking twice to seal a deserved win and promotion.

It’s been a phenomenal season for the club – from semi-final success to final glory – topped off by an emotional night that will live long in the memory of players and supporters alike. Tonight, Abingdon is yellow.

Congratulations to manager John Mills and his squad for their grit, determination, and brilliant football throughout a campaign full of highs and unforgettable moments.

As the league season draws to a close, all eyes now turn to the cup finals, where Wantage Town still have a shot at silverware. But for tonight – it’s all about Abingdon United.

Enjoy the celebrations and rest well. We can’t wait to see what the 2025/26 season brings!

Congratulations to SC Inkberrow on a fantastic achievement — securing promotion to Step 4 of the National League System with a brilliant win over Highworth Town!

A huge well done to everyone at the club — players, staff, and supporters — for all the hard work that’s gone into this incredible milestone. Enjoy the celebrations, you’ve earned it!

#SCInkberrow #Promotion #Step4Bound #NonLeagueFootball

It was a night to remember for Wantage Town FC, who pulled off a sensational comeback to defeat Redditch after going two goals down – booking their place in the final play-off and setting up a fiery local derby against Abingdon United.

In front of a buzzing crowd, Wantage showed grit, belief, and fighting spirit, turning the tie on its head with a relentless second-half display. Goals sealed a memorable turnaround, sending the away fans into raptures and confirming their place in the final.

The result not only marks a huge moment for Wantage Town, but also guarantees an all-Oxfordshire final clash, as they now face near-neighbours Abingdon United in what promises to be a high-stakes and hotly contested local derby. With pride, bragging rights, and a place in step 5 on the line, this is a fixture that will have the whole county watching.

Congratulations to the players, coaching staff, volunteers, and supporters of Wantage Town – your passion and perseverance continue to drive this club forward.

Next stop: the final. Let the derby begin!

In the UHL Premier Division on Saturday, I travelled toHartpury University to present them with the coveted UHL Premier Division Shield and of course their medals.  I sat through a fascinating match first, whereby Sporting Club Inkberrow were needing a win to secure home advantage in their play-off game v Mangotsfield United. They duly won a very tight game 1-0 and set up the play-off game on Wednesday evening. The play-off game v Mangotsfield United attracted a crowd of 300, of which I was in attendance for my first ever visit to Sporting Club Inkberrow. I was impressed with the ground and super impressed with the way the event had been organized. What a nice setting for a football club with exciting plans for the future. The game was as you would expect, quite a close affair. It was entertaining and very well officiated by the 3 men in black. Inkberrow took an early lead and then got 2 late goals to complete a 3-0 victory. In the other play-off game, Roman Glass St. George hosted Highworth Town at Oaklands Park. League Chairman Bill B was in attendance and joined the crowd watching of 210. This was an even tighter game and eventually settled by a 92^ndwinner from Josh Davis to seal the victory for Highworth Town. This now sets up the Play-off Final with the winners to join Hartpury University in being promoted to Step 4.  This game will be hosted at Sporting Club Inkberrow on Wednesday 23th April with a kick-off time of 19:45. 

In Division One, Brian and Angela K travelled to Droitwich Spa on Saturday to present them with the D1 trophy and medals. Droitwich Spa had a fantastic 1^st season with us and eventually won the Division by 11 clear points, with a goal difference of plus 74.  They turned on the style in their last game by beating Tytherington Rocks 5-0 played before a very healthy crowd of 542. No doubt the celebrations continued well into the evening. The battle for the play-off places went to the wire on Saturday with bothClanfield 85 and Abingdon United leap-frogging FC Stratford, who had been so long in the play-off places but ended up missing out. Clanfield 85 having beaten Droitwich Spa last weekend, beat already play-off boundRedditch Borough 3-1 away and Abingdon Unitedwinning 2-1 away at Bewdley Town. So, it was Clanfield 85 v Abingdon United in the first play-off last night andRedditch Borough v Wantage Town in the 2^nd play-off tonight. Last nights’ game was an extremely tight affair with no goals being scored in normal time. The game went to penalties with Abingdon United ultimately winning that 3-2 in front of a crowd of 469 which included Brian and Angela K. Abingdon United now await the winners of tonight’s game, after which a date and a venue for the play-off final will be announced.  At the bottom, Newent Town won their last game 1-0 at home v Kidlington Reserves to leave Carterton finishing the season in bottom place

We have now also finalised the Cup Final Teams.:

On Saturday 3^rd May, hosted at Cirencester Town, at 1230we will see the Marsh Supplementary Final between Stonehouse Town and Wantage Town. Following that at1630, we will see the Bateman Sports (Presidents) Challenge Cup Final between Gloucester City Development and Aston Clinton Sports.

On Monday 5^th May, hosted at Mangotsfield United, at 1230, we will see the Bateman Sports (Chairmans) Challenge Cup Final between Swindon Supermarine Development and University of Bristol. Following this at1630, we will see the Marsh Challenge Cup Final between Hartpury University v Worcester Raiders.

In D2 Central, it looks like it will be Headington Amateurs who will pick up the title, if they win their last game. In D2 East, Prestwood took the title last night with a 1-0 away win v Thame United.  In D2 West, Bishops Cleeve Development wrapped the title up last week.

In the Vets, I will wrap that up next week.

Ian Hamilton – League Secretary