What a positive week for Southwick FC - off the field as well as on it

It’s been a good week for Southwick FC and their attempts to ‘return home’ to Old Barn Way – and not because of the huge amount of support in evidence for their first game at the local recreation ground.
Southwick line up for their new Mid Sussex League challenge / Picture: Stephen GoodgerSouthwick line up for their new Mid Sussex League challenge / Picture: Stephen Goodger
Southwick line up for their new Mid Sussex League challenge / Picture: Stephen Goodger

As well as seeing the community turn out in large numbers for their first game in the Mid Sussex League’s Championship division – in which they beat Ashurst Wood 2-1 – the Wickers are also seeing signs of progress with the council.

Club officials have now received from Adur District Council the lease prospectus for the ground at Old Barn Way, the site Southwick have had to vacate after problems with the past leaseholder and serious deterioration in the state of facilities.

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Southwick said they were delighted the council had now published their aims for this site, and said many of the points within the document reflected the questions the club had been asking over the past six.

On Monday the counci’s agents issued the documents relating to work needed at OIld Barn Way. Again, the club said it had previously requested this information from ADC.

The two pieces of progress with regard to Old Barn Way came either side of a joyous day on Saturday, when the level of support for the club was there for all to see.

“It has lifted the spirits of the club officers, players and volunteers form our adult and youth sections,” said a spokesman.

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Saturday was a great day for the club as they began their journey back into the National League System and their ‘spiritual home’ of Old Barn Way.

The autumn sun was shining on Southwick Rec as the players assembled, changed and started the pre-match warm-up.

A large crowd gathered after registering online or completing an attendance register to comply withCovid-19 protocols.

Director Tony Kybett said: “To see so many people at what in reality was a local parks football match only confirmed the wonderful support the club has received in the past few weeks on the social media platforms.

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“The numbers attending on Saturday afternoon confirmed that the local community are fully behind the “Bring Home The Wickers.” campaign.

“This was indeed an historic football match that people will say in the future, ‘I was there’.

“We look forward to welcoming Roffey FC, and many supporters, to Southwick Rec on Saturday, kick off 2pm.”