In order for our Club to compete at a level which would ensure and deliver our long term aspirations of playing in the Hellenic League Premier Division, the Southern League and expanding our community involvement, our first team played its ‘home’ games away from Woodstock, most recently at North Leigh FC.  However, that made it difficult for our fans to see games without having to drive and, in the end, we could not afford to pay the additional rent. This summer we took the difficult decision to return to playing our home games at the New Road, Recreation Ground.  As a result of having no floodlights we have also had to accept an automatic relegation from the Hellenic League Premier Division because our facilities are not up to standard.

Our problems with planning are well documented since we’ve tried and failed to get our original first team pitch at New Road floodlit.  Without floodlighting our first team cannot play in the Hellenic League Premier Division.  In fact, even though our first team can play in a lower league next season at New Road, tighter regulations are coming in which mean that we will at some stage have to play under floodlights if we are to remain in existence.

This means that there is a need for very clear action. The overall success of the Club is linked to the fortunes of the first team.  We want to have a proper home in Woodstock where we can increase attendances and bring revenue into the team.  We can then pursue our aim of doubling the size of the Club’s youth section and encourage greater use of our facilities by the wider community.