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Ardley United FC was formed in 1945 just as WW2 was ending. From humble beginnings playing mainly in the Lord Jersey League the club has progressed through the Oxfordshire senior league and now proudly boasts one of the finest playing surfaces in the Hellenic League.
The club joined Division One of the Hellenic League in 1993/94, lifting the championship in successive seasons: 1996/97 and 1997/98. Ardley were also winners of the Division One cup for four succesive years, from 1994/95 to 1997/98. Since the introduction of a combined Premier and Division One competition at the end of the 1997/98 season, this is a record never previously achieved and one that is unlikely to be matched.
I visited Ardley United in August 2003 and found their ground at The Playing Fields to be aptly named, being no more than a recreation ground. The clubhouse was about 100 yards walk to the playing area which had a perimeter fence but no floodlights at that time. There was also a ‘stand’ on the far side of the pitch, which probably held about ten spectators at a push; with the two dugouts on either side (see photographs on the left). A plaque on the wall revealed that the structure was erected in 1990 in memory of former player Steve O’Donoghue.
This lack of facilities had halted the progression of the club in recent years, but longer ...
New changing facilities have now been built behind the top goal with a club house above. In addition a 100 seater stand now stands in place of the previous structure, and floodlights are also now in place. There are further plans for hard standing and a new perimeter fence around the pitch.
All in all, Ardley United appears to be a club to keep an eye on.
Ground details
Capacity: Unknown
Seats: 100
Floodlights: Yes
Directions
From J10 of the M40 take the B430 towards Middleton Stoney on the right after half a mile. Alternatively, from Oxford take the A430 through Weston-on-the-Green and Middleton Stoney on the left hand side.
By rail
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