Football club starts fundraiser after arson attack

Two storage containers were torched, destroying the contents inside

A youth football club is attempting to raise £10,000 to replace equipment destroyed in a "mindless" arson attack, just days before the start of the season.

Two storage containers belonging to the Swindon Supermarine Youth Football Club, at Webbswood Stadium in Wiltshire, were set on fire at around 14:30 BST on 28 August.

An appeal has been launched to cover the costs of removing and replacing the container lock-ups and buying new training gear.

The club said it was "touched by the overwhelming offers of help and support" from the community.

Mr Ash says the team are "determined to move forward" from the incident

A spokesperson from Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed the fire was 'started deliberately".

Club secretary Mike Ash says they are still struggling to understand the motives behind it.

“It’s hard to believe it’s arson, being a youth community football club we really don’t believe we’ve got any enemies," he said.

“These sort of situations are very difficult at the time but they definitely do bring everyone much closer together, made us realise we need each other now more than ever."

The club estimate losses of up to £10,000

A generator, two gazebos, an electric oven, lawn mower and a pitch painting machine are among the most expensive losses.

Fortunately, the young players were able to borrow equipment from the first team in order to compete in two scheduled games the following weekend.

"This hasn’t set any of us back," Mr Ash continued.

"It’s spurred us on, inspired us to be better, to help others the way they've helped us."

Summer tournament apparatus and kit used to mark pitches were destroyed in the fire