Community pulls together after yobs vandalise Eastleigh JFC facility

Yobs broke into a Eastleigh JFC container at Hesketh Meadow Playing Fields in Lowton and caused hundreds of pounds of damage smashing walls, sinks and toilets.

The incident is believed to have happened last Thursday or Friday.

Following the incident, under 12s coach Kevin Miller took to social media and said he struggled to understand why anyone "would do this to hurt a local grassroots club who's only goal is to get kids playing football".

Offers of support then flooded in for the club.

The damage caused at the club's container

Locksmith Mick O'Connor from Lock Key n Upvc on Chapel Street in Leigh went to the site on Friday and secured the building to prevent further damage for no charge.

Hughes Brothers Building and Joinery on Hope Carr Way will also be carrying out work there for free as well.

And in a heartwarming gesture, Leigh Utd under 8s player Mac Edwards-Jones, who heard about the vandalism after his side played Eastleigh, donated his pocket money and helped to gather donations from his teammates to raise a total of £40.

Leigh United youngster Mac Edwards-Jones

Kevin, 40, said: "With the vandalism happening just before the start of the season it was the last thing we needed.

"It is frustrating when people put their time and effort into the club that somebody could do that.

"But this incident has shown us that for every mindless vandal there are hundreds of great people in our town who are there to help and support our great club.

"After we let people know about what had happened the response we got was unbelievable and there were lots of private messages including from people who said they would help for free.

"It has also reminded us of the importance our work has in the community and how much it's appreciated."

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Kevin also reserved praise for everyone at the club such as managers and volunteers who have helped following the vandalism.

The club plan to move the container to an area that is more visible and less likely to be targeted.

Moving forward, the club hopes to grow and make it more inclusive.

Recently, around £5,000 has been spent on goalposts, including those that fold away.

Chairman James Ridyard hopes to introduce a disabled access surface next to the pitches and has a long-term aim of building a clubhouse.

He said there are two "really successful" girls teams and wants to continue developing women's football there, including providing opportunities for women coaches to join the club.

James also wants to form a disabled team and an adult side.

Speaking about the vandalism, he added: "The offers of help and support we got was fantastic.

"It shows how great the community we live in is and the importance of our role within it.

"It was a kick in the teeth but the help we have received has taken away all the sadness and ill feeling.

"It has turned a positive into a negative."

If you have any information about the vandalism last week contact police on 101.