Charlton Athletic Women – The Oakwood

VCD Athletics played at the Oakwood sports ground from their earliest formation until 1999 when they entered a ground share agreement to play at the home of Thamesmead Town. The club was then able to return to Oakwood for the 2006/07 season. Following the demotion of the parent club from the Premier League, the women’s team controversially disbanded, but a rescue sponsorship package was later formed that allowed the women’s team to continue their women’s game.

Charlton Athletic Women recently announced that following their promotion to the FA Women’s Championship, they will share Oakwood and become the new partners under a four-year agreement with VCD Athletic FC.

How to Get to the Oakwood Stadium

By Car

For those who are coming by car, the easiest way to find the ground is to leave the A2 at the Black Prince / Bexley exit. Follow signs for Crayford, turn right at the roundabout off the A2 towards London, or go straight on when you are towards Dartford.

Follow this street, Bourne Road, until you come to a junction with London Road. Go straight on Orchard Hill and follow it to the right. At the next intersection, turn left on Chapel Hill and go uphill. At the end turn left onto Old Road and the property is 200 yards on the right.

By Train

The closest train station to The Oakwood is the Crayford station which is about a 20-minute walk from the ground. It has trains from London Charing Cross, from London and Gravesend, and from Kent.

By Bus

Alternatively, fans can take bus 492 from Crayford Station, which stops just minutes from The Oakwood. The closest bus stop to The Oakwood is the Old Road / Perry Street stop, which serves the 492 bus. This bus departs from Bluewater Shopping Center, stops on Old Road en route to Sidcup, and takes the same route from Sidcup Station to Bluewater Shopping Center, with buses going both ways just minutes from The Oakwood.

The 96 bus also stops near The Oakwood. Next is the S stop on London Road.

Where to Park

For fans arriving by car, free parking is available on nearby streets, including Old Road.

Away Friendly Pubs Near the Oakwood

For anyone looking for snacks or refreshments, these are available from a hole in the wall, where tea is sold for around 80p along with bacon rolls, burgers, and more. There’s also a bar not far from the ground should you fancy a quick drink. You can visit the Bear & Staff on the corner of London Road.

Hotels Near the Oakwood

If you’re not fond of doing an online search for accommodations, rest assured there are a few, like the Royal Victoria & Bull Hotel, TravelodgeLondon Belvedere, Holiday InnLondon – Bexley, Bexley Village Hotel, Bexleyheath Marriott Hotel, The Kings Head Bexley, and The Fulwich near the Oak wood that may be the answer to your needs. You can also look for an Airbnb in the city or anywhere in England should you fancy that.

What Have Other Away Fans Said About Their Trip to the Oakwood?

Oakwoods grounds are basic but it’s one that has so much character. It’s surrounded on two sides by green sports fields and a picnic area as you enter the ground. It is hard to imagine over 13,000 once cramming in here to watch a game with the first team against Maidstone United nearly one hundred years ago.

The club grounds are pretty basic, with only a couple of covered areas, a seating area, and a standing area, while the rest of the area is open. However, it’s well kept and in a lovely setting, making it a good place to watch the game. The club shop was excellent with a good selection, as well as old shows, all reasonably priced. The clubhouse is located off-site and offers a typical variety of drinks that one would expect from such a place. The club’s also nice and cosy, so it’s well worth a visit.

Now, the goal of the football association and of everyone involved in women’s football is to increase the number of spectators. The club believes this is best accomplished by reaching out to the fan base and informing everyone of the latest news of the season. Hopefully, this increased interest will mean an increase in support for the club, games, and other teams vying for the league cup.

Outside The Oakwood

Charlton Athletic Women Twitter

Link

Stadium Key Facts

• Capacity – 1,180
• Address – Old Road, Crayford, Kent, DA1 4DN
• Rival Club – Blackburn Rovers
• Pitch Size – 50 x 100 yards (45 x 90m)
• Pitch Type – Grass
• Year Ground Opened – 2006
• Club Name – Charlton Athletic Women’s Football Club (Groundshare with VCD Athletic)
• Official Website – https://vcdsocialclub.co.uk/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VCDAthletic
• Club Nickname – The Vickers

Other FA Women’s Championship Football Grounds