The gates at East Cowes Victoria Athletic FC
The stand at Beatrice Avenue
The goal keeper warms up at East Cowes Vics
East Cowes Victoria Athletic FC, Isle of Wight
East Cowes Victoria reached the Wessex League Premier Division for the first time in 2024-25, beating Alresford Town in the play-off semi-final and then Frimley Green on penalties in a tense final. In their first season at the top level they finished a creditable 14th.
The club was formed in 1885 and take their name from the fact that their Beatrice Avenue ground is on crown estate land close to Osborne House, Queen Victoria’s favourite holiday home on the Isle of Wight.
After many years in the Isle of Wight League, the Vics joined the Hampshire League in 1949. Successive title wins in 1985-86 and 1986-87 led to promotion to the Wessex League. After thirteen seasons they were relegated back to the Hampshire League but returned to the Wessex as part of a league restructure in 2004-05. Vics then spent eighteen years in Wessex Division One before their historic promotion.
East Cowes best FA Vase runs came in 1988-89 and 2004-05, both times reaching the second round.
Their Beatrice Avenue ground is about 30 minutes’ walk from East Cowes ferry port, which is served by a car and passenger ferry from Southampton. It has a stand for about 100 people as well as covered standing on one side.
To reach the ground use postcode PO32 6PA. By bus take the Southern Vectis 8 or 9 from East Cowes to Whippingham Road/Barton Lodge. Then walk back to the roundabout, turn left into Saunders Way and then right.
