Ardington & Lockinge FC

Ardington and Lockinge celebrated theri centenary in 2003.

The first Ardington sports pavilion was opened by Lady Wantage on the 10th January 1903, she also donated the funds to build the pavilion, she was a keen local football fan and watched all of Ardington’s games.

The current clubhouse that is now in use was provided through funding from Mr C L Loyd and built by the Lockinge Estate staff in 2002/3. Inside the clubhouse are many photographs spanning back many decades. One of the earliest photos dates back to 1903. There was some earlier than this but sadly they were lost in a arson attack in the last clubhouse.

The survival of Ardington and Lockinge FC for over a hundred years is in no small part due to the enthusiasm for the Club of Bert Aldworth and his family. His father started their association with the Club in 1908 and played in our first North Berks League game in1909. He played until he was 55. Bert made his debut at the age of 13 in 1924 and played in some of the most successful teams the Club has ever had. Bert continued to play for the Club until he was 58. He even acted as referee to a game on 22.03.1986 Ardington res v Childrey res (Ardington won 3.2) at the ripe old age of 75. Bert continued to run the Club up until his death. Two members of his family are still on the Committee, which run the Club today.

The twenties was a good decade for Ardington winning many trophies and five Division 1 titles. The 1929/30 season saw Ardington win the Berks and Bucks Junior Shield where they beat Burnham at Abingdon Town.

In more recent times Ardington have become a very successful Club again. 2004-5 season saw them winning the North Berks Cup and the Charity Shield. In the 2006-7 season the Club won the Division 1 title and the North Berks Cup. Ardington has always been a member of the North Berks League and would like to congratulate the North Berks Committee in reaching their milestone of 100 years.

Steven Bolton

Ardington and Lockinge FC - Chairman