Bring Home The Wickers

Southwick 1882 FC are without a home currently

They are a big part of the local community.

The oldest club in Sussex is currently without a permanent home. Southwick FC were forced to leave their home Old Barn Way.

Southwick FC has been reformed in July and turned into Southwick 1882 FC due to the club leaving the ground and suffering from historical debts. The club was forced to change the name so they would not have to pay the debt the old club was in.

The club was also forced to drop two divisions as the FA rules do not allow teams to gain a sporting advantage through not paying their debts, in order to protect the integrity of the game.

There were issues as to how the club was previously run. Now the club are aiming to become a democratic member-owned community club.

The club was forced to leave their home of Old Barn Way as the ground has become unsafe. The ground requires an estimated £500,000 of repairs, and Southwick 1882 FC argue as they are a different club to the Southwick FC of old, they should be allowed to move back once the repairs are made.

The drop in divisions has seen Southwick 1882 FC start their season later than most, but that has not affected the drive of the team. The club is currently not being able to play in Old Barn Way, but the Wickers have found a new home at the Southwick Recreation Ground.

The Wickers have adapted to their temporary home well. The club have won their first four games of the competitive season, including a 5-1 victory over Stedham United FC.

The teams key player this season has been Andy McDowell. The Wicker has scored five goals so far this season and is the clear top goalscorer even though he has only played three games.

The club is still showing signs of life despite a challenging year. If things off the pitch can go as they are on the pitch, it won’t be long until the new Southwick 1882 FC return to their spiritual home of Old Barn Way.