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Originally known as ‘The Clan’, Eastington Sports FC was formed in the immediate post-war period of 1945/46 to fulfil the sporting and social needs of the young people of the Easington housing estate in Banbury, many of who were returning from war service. Football was the main branch of the Club’s activity, and they began playing in the local Junior Leagues.
In the early days football was played on pastureland to the west of Wykham Lane, and for a few years Sports endured the lack of facilities enjoyed today by almost all clubs, for example, no water available on site, nor real changing facilities.
Fortunately as a result of tireless fund raising and dedicated work by club members, the prospect of a new ground owned by the Club became a reality. The purchase of the Addison Road ground and the building of a clubroom, together with the Club’s entry to the Oxfordshire Senior League in the late 1950s was the beginning of senior football for Sports, and they proved to be a formidable force at that level.
Since joining Division One of the Hellenic League in 1971, the club has remained there ever since, often in a mid-table position. Sports’ apparently still operate a corinthian ethos towards the game, and although it has sometimes been said that the club has not been ambitious or forward looking enough in the past. However, it has never overreached itself financially, and has remained faithful to its original ideals to provide football of a good standard for local youth as evidenced by its status as a Charter Standard club
So what of the ground? This is located right at the bottom of Addison Road, next door to the local school. There are no lights and the only cover is provided by the overhanging roof of the clubhouse behind the near goal, with the changing rooms next door. That said, it’s neat enough, with the two dugouts midway along the near touchline
Ground details
Capacity: Unknown
Seats: None
Floodlights: No
Directions
From Oxford (A423) pass under the flyover on the outskirts of Banbury. Take the first right into Grange Road, and then third right into Addison Road. The ground is at the top on the left.
By rail
Banbury (BR) one and a half miles.
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