KIDLINGTON FC have taken the emergency step of bringing forward their AGM to thrash out whether they have the finances to remain in the Hellenic League.

Escalating costs have meant that the Yarnton Road club, who have been members of the Hellenic League since 1954, no longer know whether they can stay at the same level.

Even though Kidlington has a population of around 15,000 - making it one of the largest villages in Europe - and despite the club finishing in a comfortable mid-table position in Division 1 this season, they are giving serious thought to dropping down to the Oxfordshire Senior League.

"The apathy for sport in the village is terrible," said Kidlington FC secretary Peter Walton. "We're at crisis crossroads.

"It's hard work for everyone involved so we're looking to increase the committee to increase the potential for bringing in funds."

The club has a turnover of around £15,000 but unless officials can find £5,000 through sponsorship they will probably say goodbye to the Hellenic. "A good sponsorship deal of around £5,000 would put us back on an even keel," Walton admitted. "Last year, we were sponsored by Kidlington Tyre and Exhaust Centre and by County Insurance Services, who backed the first team and our reserves. But although local businesses in the village have chipped in, it needs a bit more than that now."

The AGM has been brought forward to next Wednesday, May 19.

Walton said: "It would be a terrible step for a place the size of Kidlington not to be able to support a Hellenic League club.

"With the size we are, we should really be up there with Abingdon and Thame in the Ryman League."

Story date: Wednesday 12 May

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