The Isle of Wight Hockey Club is appealing for support after adverse weather left its home pitch at Smallbrook unplayable, forcing the club to explore alternative venues on the mainland to fulfil upcoming fixtures.
Following prolonged and heavy rainfall, water levels around the Smallbrook pitch remain extremely high, with each further spell of rain causing levels to rise again and leaving behind silt and mud.
Despite efforts by the ground team at Ryde School, the surface is currently unfit for play.
The club has enjoyed a long-standing relationship with Ryde School and has called Smallbrook its home for many years. It is also understood to be the only full-sized astroturf pitch on the Isle of Wight suitable for hockey, leaving the volunteer-run club with limited options.
As a result, the Isle of Wight Hockey Club is now looking at relocating home fixtures to the mainland for the foreseeable future. The move is expected to significantly increase costs, with travel expenses set to double for the remainder of the season.
The club has issued a public appeal for assistance, including access to pitch availability to host remaining home games, donations to help cover increased travel and hire costs, and umpires should fixtures need to be played across multiple venues.
It is also seeking temporary training facilities on the Isle of Wight, such as a sports hall or 2G astro pitch, to accommodate weekday evening sessions until the end of March.
A spokesperson for Isle of Wight Hockey Club has said:
“We are now reaching out to the wider hockey family and our local community for support as we work to overcome this challenge.
“While we are incredibly grateful for the ongoing support of Wightlink through their Wightlink in the Community initiative, relocating fixtures to the mainland will double our travel costs for the remainder of the season, placing significant strain on our small, volunteer-run club.”
Those able to offer facilities, advice or other assistance are invited to contact the club by email at [email protected] or [email protected].
Financial contributions can also be made via the club’s GoFundMe page at www.gofund.me/8647ef9ec.
The club says every offer of help, share or donation will help ensure hockey can continue on the Isle of Wight for players of all ages.
