Proposal to Adur & Worthing District Council for Southwick 1882 Football Club C I C to become the affiliated football organization at Old Barn Way ...
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Proposal to Adur & Worthing
District Council for Southwick
1882 Football Club C I C to
become the affiliated football
organization at Old Barn Way
October 2020
Email: info@southwick1882fc.org
Club Information: 01273 951220
Dear Sir/Madam
Chairman CIC: Mr Tony Kybett ● Secretary: Mrs Kerry Stanton
SOUTHWICK 1882 FC © 2020Table of Contents
Executive Summary Page 3 & 4
Appendix 1 History of Southwick F C Page 5
Appendix 2 The Story So Far Page 6
Appendix 3 Directors of C I C Page 7
Appendix 4 Club Volunteers Pages, 8,9,10,11,12
Appendix 5 A New Football Club Page 13
Appendix 6 Financial Statement Page 14
Appendix 7 Operation at Old Barn Way Pages 15,16
Appendix 8 Working With Adur & Worthing D C Page 17
Appendix 9 The Road Map 5 Year Plan Pages , 18.19
Appendix 10 Testimonials of Support Page 20
(2)Executive Summary
This proposal is for Southwick 1882 FC to become the affiliated football club based at Old
Barn Way, Southwick, West Sussex.
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 & Worthing District Council and the head leaseholder.
Due to the actions of the former owner of Southwick FC and head leaseholder with AWDC,
and indeed his predecessor, the ground was closed in April 2020. They neglected the
upkeep of the ground and its facilities such that the cost of repairs to put things right was
almost £500,000. 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 to protect 138 years
of football history in Southwick.
Please see appendices 1 and 2 for a more detailed explanation of the history of the club and
ground, as well as the story of Southwick 1882 FC so far.
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.
Operating at present 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.
Please see appendices 3 and 4 for details of the personnel involved.
Appendix 5 outlines the numbers of registered players Across the club; a remarkable feat
given it was only formed a few short months ago.
Appendix 6 illustrates the current financial position for the adult team, playing in the Mid
Sussex League Championship Division this season. 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.
(3)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 organization that is chosen to be the new head
leaseholder. We are aware of one organization 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
and appendices 7, 8 and 9 illustrate how we see the future possibilities for the growth of the
club and use of facilities at Old Barn Way. Clearly these ideas and plans would need to be
openly discussed and worked on collectively with all relevant parties.
Finally, at appendix 10 we set out a few of the many testimonials and offers of support that
we 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.
We are happy to answer any questions that might be raised as a result of this application
(4)Appendix 1: Proud History
Founded in 1882, the club became founding members of the West Sussex Football League in
1896.
They became the first winners of the league, and successfully defended the title the
following season. In 1920 they joined the Sussex County League as one of its founder
members. They went on to win the championship four times between 1923 and 1948, and
finished runners-up on a further four occasions.
In 1952 the club left the league for two seasons to compete in the Metropolitan & District
League but, after finishing bottom in 1954, re-joined the County League. The following
season saw Southwick relegated to Division Two.
John Shepherd took over as player manager in 1964–65 and the club were promoted to
Division One after finishing as runners-up (on goal average) to Sidley United. In 1968,
Shepherd led the club to victory in the Sussex Senior Cup, beating Athenian League Horsham
5–3 in front of a crowd of 4,261 at the Goldstone Ground, the following season they finished
as Division One Champions.
In the 1974–75 season, they reached the FA Cup first round for the first and, to date, only
time in its history but lost 5–0 away to AFC Bournemouth. Under Ray McCarthy in 1982–83
they were Division One runners-up and runners-up in the County Challenge Cup.
Senior Honours List:
Sussex Senior Cup Final, 9 times winners.
Sussex Royal Ulster Rifle Cup Final, 9 times winners
Sussex County League Champions, 6 times winners
(5)Appendix 2: The Story So Far
Following the closure of the ground, and the realisation that a new club would need to be
formed, communications were established with Adur & Worthing District Council in April
2020. These included a request by the directors of the new club for a temporary licence to
gain entry into the ground and make good the repairs at the club’s expense. This request
was denied by the council.
This chain of communication included directors, officers and local ward councilors of the
local authority. On July 23 2020 one of the four directors of the C I C received a telephone
call from a director at AWDC. During this conversation it was stated ‘Please be assured that
this council’s number one priority is to ensure that Southwick Football Club return to Old
Barn Way.’ The Southwick F C director in question immediately telephoned his three fellow
directors informing them of this conversation and all were delighted to receive such
fantastic news. We were on our way home.
Astonishingly in July 2020 AWDC went back on that pledge, only confirming that regardless
of the selection of the leaseholder, there would be reserved use for ‘affiliated football’. This
statement has caused alarm bells to ring within the club and the local community because it
does not specifically designate Southwick 1882 as the club which should return to Old Barn
Way.
And so all those involved went into overdrive to prove the readiness and worthiness of the
new club.
FA regulations meant that the new Southwick 1882 FC could no longer retain membership
within the National League System at Step 6, and the first team gained membership of the
Mid Sussex Football League, playing in the championship division. Their home matches are
now played at Southwick Recreation Ground, poignantly next door to Old Barn Way. The
inaugural match took place on 19 September 2020; the attendance was an astonishing 200
that confirmed the local and national support.
For the club the local community has rallied round, attendance at the first three games on
Southwick Rec has averaged over 100, more than most Southern Combination League sides
get in their proper grounds.
To date the team has won its first three league fixtures and one cup fixture.
A thriving youth setup with more than 100 players has been built from scratch
There are now a total of eleven directors of the CIC drawn from the local community with
vast experiences of commerce, football administration, management, coaching, playing and
fund raising. They are committed to the anticipated journey back to Old Barn Way, the
spiritual home of the club, and the return to the National League System. Given what we
have achieved with the backing of the local community it is surely unthinkable that we will
be denied a return to our historic home with the chance to put right the great wrong which
has been inflicted on football in Southwick over so many years.
(6)Appendix 3: Southwick Football Club (1882) C I C
Company No 12614361
Directors
Name: Date Appointed
Anthony John Kybett 20 May 2020
Anthony Peter Dean Gratwicke 20 May 2020
Brian Allen Donnelly 20 May 2020
Dan Hutchin 15 September 2020
Gary Jeffery Millis 10 July 2020
John Charles Baine 15 September 2020
Jonathan Paul Lewis 15 September 2020
Kerry Stanton 15 September 2020
Liam Austin 15 September 2020
Stuart William Hensley 15 September 2020
Thomas Anthony Dineen 20 May 2020
(7)Appendix 4: Club Volunteers
Tony Kybett, Chairman, Director of C I C
Started his football journey in 1958 at Eastbourne United, Sussex F A referee, qualified F A
coach. Left the playing and officiating part of the game in 2002 to become an administrator
and joined the Council of the Sussex County F A.
Co-founder of the Robert Eaton Memorial Fund 2011, managed the team at the inaugural
match against Crystal Palace at Old Barn Way.
Founder of Southwick Rangers F C in 2015.
Currently County Member at Sussex F A, elected to the Board 2010. Elected as the Sussex
representative on the F A Council in 2013, appointed to the Disability Football and Futsal
committees. National County F A Serious Case Disciplinary Panel Member.
Jon Lewis, Vice Chairman, Director C I C
More than 27 years involvement in coaching youth and adult teams.
An experienced administrator with over 22 years as committee member at all levels,
involvement within the day to day running of a football club. Very aware of what is needed
to ensure the club successful both on and off the field.
Kerry Stanton, Cub Secretary, Director C I C
As the club’s first point of contact from county officials, leagues, clubs, match officials,
players and, parents Kerry holds the most important administration position at the football
club.
Having more than 11 years’ experience as a secretary in a local youth club we are delighted
that Kerry has joined us to oversee all aspects of the youth section. She has previously
enjoyed and been very successful with fund raising responsibilities. The administration of
this football club is in safe hands.
Brian (Sammy) Donnelly, First Team Manager, Director of C I C
Probably the best-known non-league manager in Sussex. Over 54 years of experience in
football.
Managed several senior Sussex clubs and achieved many promotions and wins in major cup
competitions including the two most senior cups in Sussex football, the Senior Cup and the
RUR Cup. Reached the 1st round of the F A Cup with Worthing F C.
Managed the Sussex County F A Representative Team.
Qualified UEFA B coach.
Tony Gratwicke, Assistant First Team Manager, Director C I C
More than 50 years of football experience in Sussex at youth, intermediate and senior
levels. Formerly involved at Southwick F C for 10 years until March 2020
(8)Tony Dineen, Club Physio, Director C I C
Loyal servant of Southwick F C as the club physio for many years until March 2020. Enjoyed
a spell with Brighton & Hove Albion F C 1992 – 1994.
Liam Austin, Club Captain, Director C I C
Taken to Old Barn Way aged six months in 1986, has been playing football for over 27 years,
starting with Junior Seagulls at aged 3.
Represented Sussex F A at junior and senior level, formerly playing at Mile Oak before
becoming a Wicker in 2017. He is proud to be the adult player’s representative.
John Baine (aka Attila the Stockbroker) Director of C I C
Co-founder of Brighton Independent Supporters’ Association in 1993. One of the leaders of
the campaign to oust those destroying the club, then of the successful ‘Bring Home the
Albion’ campaign to get the club back to Sussex from Gillingham and the subsequent ‘We
Want Falmer’ campaign which brought us the Amex. PA announcer and Poet in Residence at
BHAFC for 14 years.
Over 40 years as professional poet/musician Attila the Stockbroker: 3700 gigs in 24
countries, 8 published books of poetry. Vastly experienced as organizer and participator in
cultural events, community building, drawing in and developing new audiences/attendees
for revenue-generating public performances. Co-founder of Adur’s Glastonwick beer and
music festival in 1996, which celebrated 25 happy years in 2020.
Dan Hutchin, Treasurer, Director C I C
Dan is a monetization expert.
With previous experience with Channel Five, Google, Sky Sports, and IPC Media Dan is
currently employed by Comcast Freewheel as the Publisher Analytics Manager of the UK
Supply Team. He is playing a pivotal role in ensuring the daily programmatic run rate for the
UK portfolio. advising the account management team with their publisher performances as
well as the wider portfolio trends, often using a data story to visualize where he thinks
publishers ought to focus their programmatic strategy.
Gary Millis, Director of C I C
Vastly experienced administrator within Sussex football. 5 years as club secretary at
Southwick FC and 15 years with Shoreham FC. County member at Sussex F A, Chairman of
the Participation Committee with vast experience of competition rules and regulations.
Member of Interview Panel regarding the appointments of Sussex team managers.
Stu Hensley, Technical Officer, Director C I C
Has been involved with youth football for 9 years. Previously played in the Brighton
Midweek League with Brighton & Hove Taxis (BRIHOTA) on a Wednesday afternoon. Has 9
years’ experience as a local youth team coach. Stu is an IT. Expert and with technology ever
changing at warp speed his skills will be in constant demand.
(9)Adrian Bachelor, Business Consultant
Recently retired from financial services as a Senior Executive at a FTSE 100 company.
Currently a Board Trustee with a charity that provides social care to children and adults with
Autism and other learning difficulties. Played football for Southwick FC and Alpine Rovers at
Old Barn Way for many years.
Rico Wojtulewicz, Strategic Consultant
Experience with an U18’s football club in Birmingham to tackle antisocial behavior,
collaborating with Sport England and Birmingham City Council to find homes for sports and
community clubs leaving a demolished leisure centre.
For the last six years, working with the Government on planning, housing and community
policy.
As a community activist in Brighton and Hove but living on the Southwick border, Rico brings
unique expertise and passion to complement our already strong team.
(10)Youth Section Volunteers
Chairman: Sammy Donnelly
Vice Chairman. Jon Lewis
President: Graham Lucas
Child Welfare Officer: Diane Best
Asst. Child Welfare Officer: Chelsea Lewis
Treasurer: Mandy Peacock
Asst. Treasurer: Lisa Spencer
Club Secretary: Kerry Stanton
Asst. Club Secretary: Kerrie Simmonds
Registration Secretary: Clare Easdale
School Liaison Officer: Chelsea Lewis
Sponsors & Technical: Stuart Hensley
Covid Officer: Kerry Stanton
Social Media: Kyle Boxall
Head Coach: Kieran Clarke
U11 Managers & Coaches: Jon Lewis, Paul Patel, Matt Rose
U13 Managers & Coaches: Stuart Hensley, Kieran Clarke, Steve Woodgate
U14 Manager & Coaches: Kieran Clarke, Bradley Harrison, Paul Patel
U15 Manager & Coaches: Kyle Boxall, Damien Squibb, Mark Purvis
(11)Adult Section Volunteers
Chairman: Tony Kybett
Vice Chairman: Jon Lewis
Secretary: Kerry Stanton
Treasurer: Dan Hutchin
Fixtures Secretary: Kerry Stanton
Club Welfare Officer: Diane Best
Social Media Officer: Dan Gander
Press/Media/Campaign Officer: John Baine
Technical Manager: Stuart Hensley
Covid Officer: Liam Austin
Manager: Sammy Donnelly
Assistant Manager: Tony Gratwicke
Coach: Alan Dartnell
Physio: Tony Dineen
(12)Appendix 5: A New Football Club Is Born
A new community club, run by and for the people of Southwick, ensuring the continuity of
138 years of football history.
The pitch and premises have been closed because of the actions of others over which they
had no control.
A group of dedicated local residents, determined to keep football in Southwick alive, have a
built a thriving and successful new club in a matter of weeks.
This document paves the way for the next step in the story.
The return of Southwick 1882 to their spiritual home at Old Barn Way is imperative in order
that they are given the opportunity to regain their former status within the F A National
League System.
Coming together is a Beginning
Keeping together is Progress
Working together is Success
Registered Players at Southwick 1882
Male, Adult Team, 26 signed
Children & Young People, 100 + signed
The adult team plays in the Mid Sussex Football League
The youth teams, U11, 13, 14, 15 play in the Mid Sussex Youth League
U5 Mini Soccer taster sessions
U6 - U10 Mini Soccer
(13)Appendix 6: Financial Statement Season 2020/21
Club playing in Mid Sussex League Championship Division
Anticipated Income
Fund Raising/Grants/Donations £4,000
Total £4,000
Anticipated Expenditure
County F A & League Affiliation Fees £200
County F A & Cup Entry Fees £100
Pitch Hire £900
Match Officials Fees £550
Kit Maintenance £400
First Aid Kit £200
£2,350
Balance £1,650
(14)Appendix 7: The Operation at Old Barn Way
The regulations of the F A National League System require the club to operate a hospitality
area for visiting club officials and match officials. The essential role of the clubhouse as a
revenue-generating cultural hub on non-match days, and its place in massively broadening
the potential community impact and fan base for Southwick 1882 FC CIC. As a not for profit
organization ( C I C) all net proceeds will be invested into the football and community
projects at the club.
There are several funding opportunities available to the football club from the Football
Foundation and Sport England. The amounts available depend on the league status of the
club. However, there is no funding available from any national source unless a security of
tenure as a tenant is obtained. Regrettably this football club had to decline an offer of
£2,000 from the Football Foundation Pitch Preparation Fund in July 2020 because no such
agreement could be reached with the current land owners.
Submission by John Baine aka Attila the Stockbroker, recipient of grants from South East
Arts as organiser of many events in the local area and co-founder of the Glastonwick
beer/music festival which started in Southwick in 1996 and has just celebrated its
25th anniversary.
Football, Music, Culture and Community.
The essential role of the clubhouse at the new Old Barn Way as a revenue-generating
cultural hub on non-match days, and its place in massively broadening the potential
community impact and fan base for Southwick 1882 FC CIC.
One of the saddest things about the latter years of Southwick FC was the way that the
clubhouse apparently became a drinking club for a small clique where ‘outsiders’ were
unwelcome.
Our vision is for the exact opposite. A welcoming, diverse, friendly hub with regular events,
good local ales and hot food on sale. A major challenge for a non-league community club is
generating revenue on non-match days, and my proposal addresses this.
The clubhouse would be on the local independent entertainment circuit, bringing in known
bands, poets and comedians playing original material. There would of course be room for
the local covers band favourites, but not too often. I have a huge swathe of contacts, both
local and national, and would be delighted to oversee it all. I am sure Glastonwick
volunteers would help as and where needed and Glastonwick attendees (around 1000 ever
year in total, mainly local people) would be a reliable audience to start things off.
(15)Proposed events:
Coffee mornings / quiz night /open mic / spoken word / youth / community events.
Friday, original bands/solo performers Saturday, post match local covers bands or well
known national bands playing original material.
This would not necessarily happen every week: it is also important that the bar is simply a
community place for people to gather and chat. A decision would be made by a
bar/entertainments committee how many days a week the bar would be open in total, how
many events a month there would be, etc.
Most of these events would be free admission, with a collection during the event (for club
funds or for the performers, depending on the latter's feelings on the matter) and the club
taking the bar.
Some would be actual fund raisers, where people contributed to a collection in aid of club
funds. Some of these would be ticketed in advance, some just via collection on the night as
above.
And a very few would be special events featuring well known acts where tickets would be
sold in advance and on the door, with a percentage of the money going to the acts and the
rest to the club. At no time would the club be subject to any financial risk from guarantees
to artists.
There would be a big spin-off on the football front. Many of the wider community people
who come to Glastonwick would probably have their interest sparked by a ‘different’ local
football club with an inclusive/independent outlook, and would at start watching the games
as well, attracting a different type of fan in addition to the middle aged to elderly male non
league staple.
(16)Appendix 8: Working with Adur & Worthing District Council
We look forward to a partnership that will benefit the local community and align the club
vision to each of the following.
Adur Local Plan 2017
Adur & Worthing Councils Playing Pitch Strategy
Bouncing Back in Post-Pandemic Adur & Worthing
South Downs Local Plan
It is known that Adur punches above its weight in terms of the number of men’s, women’s
and youth teams and Southwick 1882 FC is integral to that, having already secured 100
youth players this season, rising to 200 in 2021/22 and a women’s adult team (which would
be the only one in Adur).
This fundamentally supports each of the following initiatives:
Waves Ahead: Health & Wellbeing and Safer Communities Partnership (SCP)
Adur Local Plan 2017 policies regarding: Health and Wellbeing, Sustainable communities,
Open Space, Social Integration and Infrastructure
As a community club providing formal sport, social integration is integral to our events and
sustainability strategy and we see a great opportunity to work with the council as a partner
organization to advance local regeneration, business opportunity and community
engagement.
(17)Appendix 9: The Road Map 5 Year Plan
Operating at present as a C I C with an intermediate male adult team and a thriving youth
section. The club volunteers have many years experience playing, coaching, administrating,
youth, junior, intermediate and senior football clubs. We follow Sussex FA guidelines to
ensure our management teams and players adhere to the rules of fair play and equal
opportunity. The youth section was set up early this year within a 3 month period through
extreme COVID-19 restrictions and lockdown, the team at the helm of the youth section
currently have 4 active youth football teams U11, U13, U14, U15 playing in the Mid Sussex
Youth Football Leagues as a platform for future “Wickers” players.
U5 mini football taster sessions, Mini Soccer for boys and girls between U6 - U10.
Youth football for ages between U11 - U16 playing in local football leagues.
Training Saturdays at the club’s training facilities. (Southwick Recreation Ground). Most
squads have at least 18 signed on players but all teams also have trainee players that are
not quite up to competitive football so we still mentor them and train them alongside the
match squads giving them the team spirit and camaraderie.
The aims of Southwick 1882 FC Football Club:
To work in partnership with Safe ride, Motor Cycle & Scooter Training and the organization
that is successful in securing the lease at Old Barn Way.
As the affiliated football club at Old Barn Way, we will without discrimination support,
promote and develop our national game, Association Football. Teams will operate at youth,
junior, Intermediate and senior levels, all genders will be accommodated. Enjoyment of the
game is paramount at all levels.
We will achieve this by:
Operating an equal opportunity policy, providing a safe environment for all participants
Encouraging sportsmanship and fair competition, where improvement of performance and
enjoyment is far more important than results.
Vision Statement:
To provide facilities and coaching in an atmosphere that is conducive to the development of
every child, young person, and adult in terms of self-discipline, good behavior and
teamwork.
To provide the children, young people and adults the maximum opportunity to develop
their football, personal, social, educational and sporting skills to their full potential with the
welfare and enjoyment a priority in all decisions we make.
Southwick 1882 FC as a club at the end of this 5 year path of progression aim is to have
achieved our goals and have the highest recognition possible of Charter Standard
Development within the realms of football.
This will be achieved by providing dedicated, screened, trained and qualified coaching staff
within a caring, safe and fun environment for learning and development.
(18)Mapping the Clubs future:
Currently operating 100 children and young people across 4 active team, the youngest age
groups are involved only with coaching sessions. By 2021/22 season we expect to have 175
participants within 7 – 8 teams.
The club has been approached by several coaches operating within women and girls football
enquiring if there would be room for them to join Southwick 1882. The potential for this
new intake is phenomenal.
By 2021/22 it is hoped to introduce an U18 squad to act as a filter squad for the seniors then
becoming the reserve 1st team (U23) as progressing players from the youth filter through to
bridge the U18 squad.
By 2022/23 Southwick 1882 FC youth section will be “the club” in the local area. Probably
operating 10+ active squads with excess of 200+ children and young people enjoying what
they love to do. If facilities provide the availability we will look in 2023/24 to create a
woman’s squad for the then filtering through girls from the youth section.
By 2025/26 Southwick 1882 FC will push towards and hope to have a full complement of
youth players from U5 – U16, U18 Men’s, U18 Women’s, Senior Women’s, U23’s Men’s,
Senior Men’s.
At some stage facility dependant we are very passionate group of people that want to give
back to the elderly, disabled, impaired, learning difficulties communities that need that little
something, be it a game of walk football, to sit a watch a game, watch the youth train and
meet some children, cup of tea and a biscuit in the clubhouse, a change from the norm and
the four walls.
We will continue to ensure that Volunteers, Managers, Coaches and Club Officials receive
adequate training to undertake their roles, to encourage and support those club members
in their attempts to gain coaching, refereeing, first aid and other qualifications.
Endorse, encourage and advertise the commitment to the FA Respect campaign.
Continue to raise the Club’s profile within the community of Southwick and the wider area.
The senior team hopefully will have regained entry back into the F A National League
System after being boosted by the talent that emerges from within the youth section.
Regaining NLS status will enhance the clubs reputation and with so many more local people
involved through players progressing from the youth section it will not be just a football club
it will be a massive local family.
(19)Appendix 10: International, National and Local Testimonials of Support
Ralf Rangnick: Former Coach at RB Leipzig, Schalke 04, 1899 Hoffenheim, VfB Stuttgart
Dear Wickers supporters, having played for the Wickers in 1980 was a great experience for
me as a young student and player. This is why I would love to support your campaign and
very much hope the club can return to Old Barn Way ground in due course. Up the Wickers
The Football Supporters Association Andy Walsh, Head of National Game & Community
Ownership
The Football Supporters' Association has been impressed with the ambition set out in the
vision document of Southwick Football Club (1882) Ltd CIC. We believe that it is important
for senior competitive football to continue at Old Barn Way. Southwick FC has an historical
connection with the ground; from our experience the most successful clubs are those that
can command broad support across a community with a clear and historical identity. The
CIC has attracted the support of an impressive and experienced team of individuals, people
rooted in the local community and steeped in Sussex County football. The Football
Supporters’ Association is happy to continue to work with the CIC, Southwick FC and the
local authority to help develop a football club that the whole community will be proud to
call their own.
Duncan Brooker: Chairman Mid Sussex Football League
The Mid Sussex Football League, formed in 1900, is the largest adult football league in
Sussex with a current membership of over 90 football clubs. Upon being made aware of the
situation at Southwick FC an interview was convened with the officers of the newly formed
Southwick (1882) FC where all matters concerning the running of the club were discussed. It
was apparent that this new football club had been setup in a professional way with a view
to returning to “Senior” status within Sussex in the near future. The league management
committee voted unanimously to accept Southwick (1882) FC into the league and they are
now competing in the Championship division. This places them at “Intermediate” status
within the football hierarchy where they will be well placed to progress from and return to
“Senior” football once a return to their home at Old Barn Way has been agreed”.
Dr Alan Sanders: Chief Executive Russell Martin Foundation
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.
Tony Iles: proprietor Safe Ride Motor Cycle & Scooter Training
Following the previous meeting with Tony (Chairman SFC 1882) we have agreed that both
parties are keen to work together in providing a service to the community. I wish you guy’s
all the best.
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