Young players, parents and local companies have rallied round after vandals caused thousands of pounds worth of damage at a sports club.

Goal posts were smashed, fences and grass ripped out and netting and dug-outs destroyed in the wrecking spree at Lordswood Football Club.

The extensive damage has meant that teenage footballers in the the youth teams, who had been looking forward to getting back on the pitch when lockdown restrictions are eased, will not be able to do so.

Club chairman Glen Parkes set up a GoFundMe page to pay for repairs after the vandalism on Monday night last week.

Glen, who is fuming because the popular club has been hit financially by the pandemic, said the fundraising was going "really well".

He said: "We set a target of £2,000 and we are already nearly there. We have had a lot of love from the football community.

"I came up on Saturday to start tidying up and there were about eight young lads there and parents there willing to lend a hand. It was quite inspiring, a lovely thing to see how they support the club."

Lordswood's under 14, under 15 and under 16 teams were due to kick off in the Kent Youth League next month.

Glen said: "We are a non-profit making club. We are here for the community, for the kids and everyone who comes along to support us."

The club, whose senior men's side play in the Southern Counties East Premier Division, shared images of the damage at the Martyn Grove ground on social media.

A statement from the club's committee said:"It is sad that we have to report that mindless vandalism has taken place at our ground.

"In the current climate, where there is no football and no income for us, it is an unwelcome intrusion which will cost money to put right."

The total bill to repair and replace is expected to reach £3,500.

The venue is also home to Lordswood Cricket Club and Lordswood Rugby Club as well as a petanque club.

Anyone with information can call police on 01634 792209 quoting 02-0960.

You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or complete an online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org

To donate, click here.

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