CHAIRS of two sports clubs which currently use Stratfield Brake Sports Ground – Oxford United’s preferred site for a new stadium – have reacted to the possibility of the U’s building an 18,000-capacity ground.

A leaked letter outlines the club’s intention to leave the Kassam Stadium and build a new ground with associated facilities at Stratfield Brake, near Kidlington.

The document appears to have been sent by Oxfordshire County Council, which owns the land, to sports clubs which currently use the site, including Gosford All Blacks rugby club and Kidlington Cricket Club.

Read the full story: Leaked letter reveals Oxford United’s preferred site for new stadium

David Hipkiss, chair of Gosford All Blacks, said should plans come to fruition, they may be ‘an excellent opportunity’ for community sport in the area.

He said: “Along with the other resident clubs, last week we were sent the letter from OCC to Stratfield Brake sports clubs in relation to plans from Oxford United Football Club, and are following with great interest.

“Should their plans come to fruition, this may represent an excellent opportunity for all community sport in the locality including Gosford All Blacks RFC.

“We look forward to working with OUFC and all stakeholders to understand the opportunity this may bring in greater detail.”

Kidlington Cricket Club chair John Moss said the news would be discussed at a committee meeting tonight, and more information would be available from the club once that meeting has taken place.

He said: “We have a committee meeting tonight and this will of course be discussed at that meeting.

“We’re at the very beginning of this, we’re still not near a planning application, you’re looking at 2026 when the lease runs out at the Kassam, so it’s still a way off.”

If United get the all-clear, the club can begin to seek planning permission from planning authority Cherwell District Council for the green belt site.