A NEW football team has been formed by players from a club which had to leave their home.

AFC Southwick has been formed by former players, coaches and backroom staff from the old Southwick FC, which became Southwick 1882 last season. AFC Southwick will still have the same ethos of "a local club for the local community".

The club has confirmed that they will be ground sharing with Whitehawk FC at their ground, The Enclosed Ground in Wilson Avenue, Brighton.

The deal will last for at least two years, although there is an option to extend their stay for a further year.

The club issued a statement that said: "After a summer of reorganisation, we can confirm that the team which won the Mid Sussex Championship with a hundred per cent record last season has taken its rightful place in the Mid Sussex Premier League - one step away from returning to senior football.

"The name of the club is now AFC Southwick, but the management and playing squad are the same, and the aims are identical - to continue our progress up the football pyramid and return to our spiritual home Old Barn Way as quickly as possible.

"We are committed to doing all we can to assist with the redevelopment of the ground in the interests of the local community. Our slogan remains the same, Bring Home The Wickers.

"Because we are now playing in a league with higher ground requirements, we can no longer play on Southwick Recreation Ground, we have to share a ground elsewhere.

"Having looked at the local alternatives, we are very grateful to the board and fans of Whitehawk for offering us a home for the next two years.

"Their kind offer means that if the team are successful, a further promotion back into the Southern Combination League Division One and Southwick's rightful place in senior football is guaranteed.

"We invite our fans to watch us there and enjoy the legendary Whitehawk hospitality.

"Our club website is now http://southwickfc.teamexpert.co.uk, and we will be keeping you informed of all developments there and on social media on both our Twitter and Facebook page.

"Onwards and upwards."

The original Southwick FC moved from their Old Barn Way stadium as it needed repairs and became Southwick 1882.

Southwick 1882 won the Mid Sussex Championship. However, the players have moved over to AFC Southwick and will play in the Mid Sussex Premier League.

Southwick 1882 put in a request to the Mid Sussex Football League that they remain in the Mid Sussex Championship so they could rebuild the team. They will continue to play their football at the Southwick Recreation Ground.

The Old Barn Way stadium in Southwick needs to be repaired to meet health and safety standards.

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