THEY have the players, the kit, and – they say – the footballing skills.

All that Chatsworth Buccaneers are missing is a pitch.

The newly-formed Didcot-based football team were ready to start playing in the Upper Thames Valley League next season, until their hopes of playing at Dorchester recreation ground fell through after the parish council said it was unsuitable for football.

The situation has left the team worried about its future before they have played their first match, while the league has warned the lack of pitches could threaten the future of grass-roots football across the area.

Manager Dean Pavely, 26, of Ridgeway Road, said: “As things currently stand, I have got a willing sponsor to buy our kit and the club has been accepted into the league.

“But without a pitch, we cannot compete next year. The first match is the first Sunday in September and we have nowhere to play. It would just be a case of someone being kind enough to house us.”

He added: “We are a group of former St Birinus pupils, and we have always got together through the summer just for a kickabout. About 20 of us meet every week, and we decided we wanted to take it a bit more seriously.

“It would be a real shame if it all fell through, considering how much time and effort has been put into getting the team running.”

The Upper Thames Valley League’s honorary general secretary, Douglas Williamson, said there were far fewer pitches available in the county than when the league started in 1978.

He said: “Most villages used to have pitches, but now they are disappearing. I would say about 50 per cent of our clubs have problems getting grounds.

“Some councils no longer have them, clubs do not like letting Sunday League teams play on them, and teams cannot afford what is being charged at others.

“Last year, one of our only Abingdon teams, White Horse, had to start playing in Botley because that was the only pitch I could find for them.”

If you can help the Buccaneers find a pitch, ring Dean on 07908 956197.