By Isle of Wight Observer
The Isle of Wight Hockey Club has issued an urgent appeal for support, after severe weather left its home pitch at Smallbrook unplayable, forcing the club to look for mainland venues to host its remaining fixtures.
Weeks of heavy rain have caused water levels around the pitch to rise repeatedly, leaving behind silt and mud each time the surface begins to drain. Despite the continued efforts of the Ryde School grounds team, the astroturf remains unsafe for play. Smallbrook is the Island’s only full‑sized hockey‑suitable astroturf, leaving the club with no local alternative.
The club says it is now exploring mainland venues for “home” matches and is appealing to the Island community for help. They are seeking pitch availability for fixtures, umpires if games need to be split across multiple venues, and any Island sports halls or 2G pitches that could host weekday evening training until the end of March.
Relocating fixtures will significantly increase travel costs. Although the club receives some support from Wightlink, travel and pitch‑hire expenses will double for the remainder of the season – a major strain on a small, volunteer‑run organisation.
Anyone able to offer facilities, advice or practical assistance is encouraged to contact IoWHCSec@gmail.com.
Supporters can also contribute financially via iw.observer/hockey-appeal.
“Every offer of help, share or donation makes a genuine difference,” a spokesman said. “It will help ensure hockey can continue on the Island for players of all ages.”
