Published date: 28 May 2014 |
Published by: Mike Williams Read more articles by Mike Williams Email reporter
A VILLAGE football club has been left hundreds of pounds out of pocket after a seven-month campaign of “mindless vandalism”.
Volunteers at Llysfaen FC have been patching up their club grounds on a regular basis since October last year as vandals continue to target the grounds on Dolwen Road, causing between £800 and £900 of damage.
Over the last seven months, vandals have urinated in the clubhouse, ripped protective meshes from windows and broken glass, smashed door locks, damaged the clubhouse roof, ripped doors off hinges, pulled down clothes hooks, painted graffiti, stolen equipment and tables and attempted arson.
Club secretary Kenny Burns said: “We have had to replace doors, windows and equipment for the running of the teams for all age groups from under sevens to senior men's team.”
“This has been a financial cost of hundreds of pounds over the past few months, but has also been a huge drain on volunteers’ time and efforts.
“For a small club with very limited funding it makes the task more difficult each year.”
The club is bringing in new portable clubhouses with beefed up security features, instead of repairing the damage.
He added: “It does not help the image of the club when we are trying to maintain and develop grassroots football for children in the area.
“We, like everyone else, hope to unearth the next Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey or Craig Bellamy, but we also just like to support young children in the area being able to be part of a team.
“We are trying to keep the costs to the children down and yet having to find the finances to cover damages and mindless vandalism.”
The club hosts a presentation and family fun day from 11am on Sunday, June 8, in a bid to raise funds to repair the damage.
It will also hold an annual general meeting on Friday, July 11 at 7.30 pm in Llanddulas Legion, to recruit a club welfare officer, a treasurer, a registration secretary, a secretary, a chairman and a president.
n For more information, telephone Kenny Burns on 07711556539.
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