A CRISIS-hit Isle of Wight sports club says it is now on the brink of being unable to fulfil its fixtures — and is urgently appealing for financial help and a temporary mainland pitch.
The Isle of Wight Hockey Club has warned its home pitch at Smallbrook, the Island’s only full‑sized astroturf suitable for competitive hockey, has become unusable following weeks of heavy rain, rising water levels and repeated deposits of silt and mud.
Despite intensive work by Ryde School’s ground team, the surface is currently unsafe and out of action.
With no alternative hockey pitch on the Island, the club is now being forced to move all remaining home fixtures to the mainland, sending already stretched costs spiralling.
The situation has become critical.
"Without additional support, the cost of simply keeping hockey going on the Island risks becoming unsustainable," club official Carl Joyce said.
"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."
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Officials say the issue affects the entire club — senior mens and ladies’ teams, juniors, youth squads, coaches and umpires — and risks shutting down meaningful competition and training for the rest of the season.
Relocating fixtures means paying for emergency pitch hire at mainland venues, higher travel costs for players, additional umpiring expenses and difficulty securing affordable training time.
Wightlink offer ongoing support for travel.
The club is appealing for donations, mainland pitch availability, umpires willing to assist and Island sports halls or 2G surfaces that could host temporary training.
Anyone able to offer support, facilities or advice is urged to contact Isle of Wight Hockey Club.
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