It is another frustrating weekend for a number of ESFC sports teams after record breaking rainfall totals in September. South Newington, not far from Banbury, recorded 224 mm of rain so far in September when the average amount is just 60 mm.

The main adult pitch is again flooded in the usual places, although it is hoped this will recede far quicker than winter months. Already this year, a local resident has had to drain the BGN field by lifting their drain covers down the side of their house which again indicates the scale of the problem facing the local area now. Climate change is an issue planners, councils and sports clubs really need to get to grips with after we have seen other local clubs again under water. This is all so soon in the season.

Youth team matches were again called off at local sites today and the Wykham Park Stanbridge field has been affected particularly badly again (see photos here) but verti drained Wykham Park pitches have also suffered. The club is trying to work with schools to install a safe walkway over the ditches to allow access for all between pitches used at the weekend and to allow youth team parents and players to use the toilets. No progress on this front which is disappointing as matches had to be postponed due to access issues today.

There is still no progress with Councils regarding improved training and matchday pitch provision since we shared our concerns back in Spring and so the club intends to keep the pressure up on Councils to find ways to work with clubs and the FA to find some long term solutions to this to help teams across Banbury. Watch this space!