Wikipedia - East Cowes Victoria Athletic A.F.C.
East Cowes Victoria Athletic Football Club is a football club based in East Cowes, Isle of Wight, England They are currently members of the Wessex League Division One and play at Beatrice Avenue.
History
The club was established in 1885, taking the Victoria part of the name as their Beatrice Avenue ground is in an area owned by Osborne House, one of the homes of Queen Victoria. They were founder members of the Isle of Wight League in 1898, and won the league in its inaugural season. They retained the league title the following season and went on to win the league again in 1930–31, 1934–35 and 1935–36.
In 1947 East Cowes moved up to the Hampshire League. They were Division Two runners-up in 1948–49 and again the following season. After finishing as runners-up for a third time in 1951–52, the club won the division in 1952–53, earning promotion to Division One. However, they were relegated back to Division Two at the end of the 1954–55 season. In 1960–61 the club finished bottom of Division Two and were relegated to Division Three. They were Division Three champions in 1963–64 and were promoted back to Division Two.
East Cowes finished bottom of Division Two in 1966–67, resulting in relegation to Division Three. When Division Three was split into regional divisions in 1968, the club were placed in Division Three West. The two divisions were merged in 1971 to create Division Three and Division Four, with East Cowes placed in Division Three. They went on to win the division, earning promotion to Division Two. In 1977–78 they finished third in Division Two and were promoted to Division One. Although the club were relegated after finishing bottom of Division One in 1981–82, they won Division Two the following season and were promoted back to Division One.
The 1985–86 season saw East Cowes win the Division One title for the first time. After retaining the title the following season, the club moved up to the Wessex League. The club won the Wessex League Cup in their first season in the league. They finished bottom of the league in 1999–2000 they finished bottom of the Wessex League and were relegated back to the Hampshire League, becoming members of its Premier Division. They were runners-up in 2001–02, and in 2004 the Hampshire League merged into the Wessex League, with East Cowes becoming members of Division Two. The division was renamed Division One in 2006.
East Cowes Vics AFC is a passionate and community-driven football club based in East Cowes, on the picturesque Isle of Wight. Established in 1920, the club has a rich history and a strong tradition of fostering local talent and promoting the beautiful game within the community.
Competing in the Wessex League, East Cowes Vics AFC is known for its competitive spirit and commitment to excellence on the pitch. The team plays its home matches at the renowned Beatrice Avenue, where fans gather to support their local heroes in a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.
The club prides itself on its inclusive approach, encouraging players of all ages and abilities to participate in football. With a dedicated youth academy, East Cowes Vics AFC is focused on developing the next generation of footballers, instilling values of teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship.
Off the field, East Cowes Vics AFC is deeply embedded in the local community, engaging in various outreach programs and initiatives that promote health, well-being, and social cohesion. The club's commitment to community service and its strong volunteer base make it a beloved institution in East Cowes.
Whether you’re a lifelong supporter or a newcomer to the game, East Cowes Vics AFC welcomes you to join in the excitement and pride of local football. Together, we celebrate the spirit of the game and the bonds it creates within our community.