Community football club goals broken twice

The goals were damaged twice in a week

A community club which "just wants to help children play football" has had its goals broken twice over recent weeks.

Penhill United FC, in Swindon, currently has around 100 children on the books and has put the goals behind tall construction fencing donated by a local firm.

However, this has not stopped people from getting the plasti goals out over the top and causing damage.

The club is fundraising to get some "sturdy" metal goals, which will cost at least £7,500 altogether.

The club is now fundraising to get metal goals rather than the current plastic variety

Lee Bailey, who runs the community club, explained they have recently moved and are now renting Seven Fields from Central North Swindon Parish Council, bringing the goals with them.

However, in July, Mr Bailey said a goal was found "completely smashed."

As well as a broken cross-bar corner, the diagonals were bent in half.

He said: "That goal is pretty much written off. You can buy components online but, being plastic, we're pretty sure it will just happen again."

The second time, over the weekend, a goal seemed broken at first, but once "untangled", it was a bit bent, but usable.

Mr Bailey said young people are getting them out by climbing over the fence or going underneath and passing them over the top.

"We've caught a lot of children taking the goals and using them.

"The majority are using them and putting them back, but there's always one or two who spoil it for the rest," he added.

The club is now going to find the cash for metal goals - Mr Bailey said they have applied to the FA for a grant, will talk to local businesses and have set up an online fundraising page.

They will need three pairs - one for each age group at around £2,500 a set.

Mr Bailey explained: "We're just a community club. Our intentions are to help as many children in the area as possible. In the future we want to grow."