Southwick 1882 FC reach vital stage in return-home bid

The newly-formed club say it makes complete sense for them to become the affiliated football club based at the ground the old Southwick FC called home for many decades.

They have had to put togethert a bid for the right to play there - having recently had to drop out of the SCFL and non-league football's national league system and start playing lower-grade football at Southwick Red.

Their proposal, now sent to ADC, says: "Unlike the previous club, Southwick FC, our club is community owned and we believe that we are the ideal candidate, prepared to offer all aspects of association football and community events in Southwick and the surrounding area.

"We are confident of aligning our strategy with those of Adur District Council and the head leaseholder."

They said the actions of previous people in charge at Old Barn Way resulted in the lease being taken away after neglect of the site that left £500,000 of repairs needed and added: "The lease was taken away from that club meaning they could no longer play at Old Barn Way. It was as a result of this that the new club was born.

"Four local residents decided to do something to save the once proud club from extinction. They sought legal advice and a Community Interest Company, Southwick Football Club (1882) Ltd CIC was incorporated in May 2020. The appointed directors were Brian Donnelly, Thomas Dineen, Anthony Kybett and Anthony Gratwicke, all of whom have been continuously involved in Sussex football for several decades.

"Their goal was to protect 138 years of football history in Southwick. A further seven directors have been recruited to enhance the board, as well as numerous volunteers. None of these directors were directors of the previous club that built up the significant debt. These directors and volunteers have a vast experience of Sussex football and have been involved at Youth, Junior, Intermediate and Senior club football over several years.

"Their roles vary from administration, playing, coaching, managing, fund raising and supporting."

The proposal says the new club is operating as a CIC with an intermediate male adult team and a thriving youth section. "They adhere to the Sussex FA guidelines to ensure our management teams and players adhere to the rules of fair play and equal opportunity.

"Clearly future financials will be important when we are back at Old Barn Way and we are confident that our plans and ideas will put us in a healthy position to run the club.

"Since the club is applying to be the affiliated football club, we are aware that we will need to work in close partnership with the organisation that is chosen to be the new head leaseholder. We are aware of one organisation that is applying for this position, The Russell Martin Foundation.

"We have spoken with them on a number of occasions and believe that if they are successful in their application, we could have a fruitful and beneficial working relationship. Their Chief Executive, Dr Alan Sanders has stated: 'The Russell Martin Foundation would be happy to discuss an ongoing partnership at Old Barn Way with Southwick 1882 FC, subject to a written agreement.'

"Of course, we would be happy to work closely with whomever is chosen as head leaseholder."

The proposal sets out how they see the future possibilities for the growth of the club and use of facilities at Old Barn Way.

"Clearly," it adds, "these ideas and plans would need to be openly discussed and worked on collectively with all relevant parties."

The proposal also includes a few of the many testimonials and offers of support they have received. "We have been overwhelmed by the support we have received generally, but particularly locally in the community and the wider local football world," it adds.