Isle of Wight Division 2 football club Oakfield FC – based at Slade Road in Ryde – have folded.
Oakfield have cancelled 5 games in a row as they have been unable to raise a side. In the 3 games they played at the start of the season, they lost 0-13 to Wootton, 3-11 to Seaview, and 9-1 to Newchurch.
The Oakers accepted voluntary relegation last season from Harwoods Division 1.
Oakfield are the 4th Isle of Wight team to cease playing this year. Yarmouth & Calbourne and Pan Community withdrew from league football at the end of last season, and Carisbrooke United left Division 2 at the start of this season.
The loss of the Ryde-based club leaves just 8 teams in Harwoods Division 2. The League Management Committee will discuss the consequences of this at their next meeting on Monday (2nd October).
Formed in 1957, Oakfield FC have had a distinguished history. They are the last Isle of Wight League side to lift the Senior (Gold) Cup in 2001.
In cup competitions, the Oakers have won the Challenge Cup 4 times (’97, ’98, ’99 and ’15), the Memorial Cup 8 times (’90, ’94, ’99, ’00, ’02, ’03, ’11 and ’12), and the Junior A Cup 3 times (’60, ’65, ’99).
It is unknown what will become of Oakfield’s ground.
I think it’s going to be obvious what will happen to the football grounds.
There is a roadway on Oak Vale which can continue onto the where the pitch is, build 8 houses on each side and 3 more at the end.
There’s no money in local football clubs, but plenty of money in development.
Shame. Watched them play against my son’s team (Northwood) a few time’s. Always friendly supporters…
Even with their freemasonry connections, surely those of Ryde lodge could dip into their pockets. Wonder who’s fallen out?