OPPOSITION Q&A
“We could do with some more cover but the club has a long term plan and vision to continue to see this expand in future“
Worthing supporters Sam and James answer our questions on Worthing FC, matchdays at the Woodside Road and more, as we start to look ahead to 23-24
THE GROUND
Sam – Woodside Road is a unique ground which has experienced many changes and upgrades as the club has progressed through the non-league pyramid. Plenty of places to stand and see the game with the best view in my opinion being in the main stand which is situated above the clubs main bar. The ground is 5min walk from Worthing station and is easily accessible, we could do with some more cover but the club has a long term plan and vision to continue to see this expand in future as we grow even further, many people enjoy the visit!
James – Lively ground with good bar facilities, a covered seated stand, 2 partially covered terraces and 1 standing area behind the goal.
HISTORY OF THE GROUND
Sam – A sports ground opened on the Woodside Road site as early as 1892[8] when the site was part of the parish of West Tarring, which at the time was not yet part of the borough of Worthing. Known as the Pavilion Road Sports Ground, it occupied a 13-acre site, with a Queen Anne style pavilion giving its name to Pavilion Road along the south of the site.[8] Worthing FC moved to the ground in 1903.[8] In 1937 the Sports Ground closed and it is the site’s northern portion which developed into the existing stadium (From wiki)
THE MATCHDAY EXPERIENCE
Sam – Caters to all ages, a great viewing experience and excellent value for money. We like to play the Worthing way with the ball on the deck so games are always entertaining and pleasing on the eye. Plenty of food/drink options, friendly staff and all well signposted. Always someone to guide you in the right direction if help & support is needed.
James – The ground gets quite busy from approx 45min before kick off but there is a fan zone just as you come through the turnstiles on the left hand side a new bar being built soon. There is a bar in the main stand. Food options vary with pasties and chips available in the 2 club run food hatches and there is a rotating selection of food stalls from outside vendors each game.
SEGREGATION
Sam – On occasions the ground is segregated but very rarely, this is taken on a game by game basis.
PRICES
Sam – Adults — £16, Concession — £12, Under-16 — £6, Under-12 — £3, Under-6 — Free.
FOOD AND DRINK OPTIONS
Sam – Club Fanzone, Brooksteed Alehouse (1min – Worthing Station), Green Man Alehouse (1 min – West Worthing Station) , Three Fishes (Wetherspoons Town Centre) and various bars/eateries in town.
James – The town centre is about a 15 minute walk, outside the station is the Grand Victorian Pub & Hotel but it’s currently closed for refurbishment and will reopen under a new name. There are a few micropubs (The Green Man, Grizzly Bear & Brooksteed) in the vicinity the ground and a CIU social club (The Tarring Club) around the corner from the ground. A chip shop is not far away but kost Food options are in town.
GETTING TO THE GROUND
Parking
Queen Street Car Park
An additional 80 spaces are available at the public car park situated behind the church in Queen Street. The postcode for the church is BN14 7BJ and the entrance to the car park is on the left hand side of the church.
Walking from Queen Street Car Park to the ground: Turn right out of the car park into Queen Street and walk to the junction at the end. From the junction, turn left into South Farm Road. Go straight over the mini roundabout by Worthing High School and after around 200 yards take the second turning on the right, Bulkington Avenue. The second turning on the left down this road is Woodside Road and the stadium is 75 yards down the road on the right.
If choosing to park in the roads surrounding the ground please remember to do so with respect and consideration to our neighbours.
Train
Both Worthing and West Worthing station are just a 5-10 minute walk from the Crucial Environmental Stadium.
From Worthing Station From the front entrance turn right out of the station and walk adjacent to the train line along Cross Street until you reach the crossing. Cross over the train line onto South Farm Road. Take the first left onto Pavilion Road, after around 300 metres Woodside Road is on your right.
If exiting the station via the back entrance exit the car park onto Southcourt Road and turn left, follow the road round until you meet Westcourt Road and turn left again. This will lead you onto South Farm Road where you can pick up the remaining directions above.
MOST ANTICIPATED AWAY DAYS
Sam – For me personally: Weston, Yeovil, Torquay, Aveley, Truro. The one’s I’ve not visited yet.
James – Torquay United
EXPECTATIONS FOR 23/24
Sam – Hopefully we can reach the play-offs again and build on a successful season from the one we’ve just had.
James – Hopefully build on our amazing first season in the NLS where we finished 4th and reached the semi finals of the Play-offs!
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