Vandalism at grassroots sport clubs 'heartbreaking'

Len Keating described the vandalism at Taverners FC as "heartbreaking"

Grassroots sport clubs have said regular vandalism and break-ins are costing them thousands of pounds and causing disruption to their day-to-day operations.

Clubs across Gloucestershire have resorted to crowdfunding to cover the damage in some cases, and have invested in improving their security measures by installing equipment such as cameras and lights.

Taverners FC, based in Eastington, near Stroud, have been targeted multiple times in incidents which have included their clubhouse porch being set alight and dugouts destroyed.

Club treasurer Len Keating described the impact as "heartbreaking" as the goal is "to provide a space for enthusiastic young athletes".

A dugout at Taverners FC was recently damaged by vandals

The club started a funding appeal after their dugouts were smashed by vandals and in July a car was driven around their pitch, damaging it ahead of the new season.

Club secretary, Simon Lloyd-Jones, said vandalism had caused financial problems.

"We've had to spend £1,000 here and there to replace things that have been broken, but we would rather spend that money on other areas, like buying kit," he added.

'More prevalent'

Tarbarrow Cricket Club, in Cirencester, have also been targeted in a number of incidents this year, including break-ins and graffiti.

Edward Gordon Lennox, a committee member, said the problem had been "more prevalent" this year.

"They've broken windows, they've smashed chairs and tables, they've sought to set light to the place, which luckily, they weren't able to do.

"It's costing us a lot of time and effort," Mr Lennox said.

The club set up a funding page to help pay for repairs, which they said had been "hugely supported" and are looking to install additional security devices.

Tarbarrow Cricket Club has spent thousands of pounds on repairs

In May, Longlevens AFC, in Gloucester, suffered two break-ins, resulting in stolen equipment and "highly offensive" graffiti.

Chris Theyer, the club's groundsman and coach, said he had been "gutted" when his £2,200 mower was stolen.

It meant the ground became overgrown, disrupting training for the players.

"Without this equipment you can't produce these kind of results. It's a necessity for grassroots football," he added.

A spokesperson for Gloucestershire Police said the force encouraged people to keep reporting incidents to them so that they can be investigated.

"We know all too well the impact that vandalism can have on local sports teams and this is why we want to ensure offenders are caught and brought to justice," they added.