Local football club volunteers express frustration over repeated vandalism incidents
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The Kincorth Amateur Football Club is facing an alarming wave of vandalism that has left its volunteers feeling overwhelmed and frustrated. Kieran Heads, the club’s chairman, recently expressed his dismay after discovering that the club’s grass pitch had been severely damaged, with deep tire marks marring the field.
This incident is just one of many that have plagued the club, raising concerns about the safety and viability of youth sports in the area.
Ongoing issues threaten youth sports
During a routine training session, Kieran arrived to find the pitch at Kincorth Circle “completely ripped up.” The damage not only creates an unsafe environment for the approximately 200 children who participate in matches but also forces the club to consider canceling games.
Kieran noted that this is not an isolated incident; the club has faced around 15 or 16 similar occurrences since the establishment of the Kincorth Emirates youth setup three years ago.
“People have been coming onto the pitch, and I can only assume they are using some sort of dirt or electric bike,” Kieran lamented. The destructive behavior includes performing doughnuts on the pitch, leaving behind massive trails of mud that require extensive repairs. The volunteers often find themselves arriving early to fill in the damaged areas, a task that has become all too familiar.
Financial implications of vandalism
The persistent vandalism poses not only logistical challenges but also financial worries for the club. Kieran emphasized the importance of keeping membership costs low, especially given the club’s location in a less affluent area. However, the ongoing need for repairs could force the club to reconsider its financial strategies. “We looked into getting a full-time grass maintenance company, but it’s just far too expensive for us – we can’t afford that,” he stated.
As the club grapples with these challenges, Kieran has called on the local community to take a stand against the vandalism. He urged the troublemakers to “show a bit of common sense” and recognize the impact of their actions on the community. “We are all from Kincorth and we are all volunteers. We shouldn’t have to spend so much time dealing with this,” he added, highlighting the collective frustration felt by the club’s members.
The importance of community support
In the absence of other facilities, the Kincorth pitch serves as a vital resource for aspiring footballers in the area. Kieran’s plea underscores the need for community support to protect this essential space. “There is nowhere else in Kincorth to play a game of football; this is our home, and it’s incredibly frustrating,” he concluded.
As the Kincorth Amateur Football Club continues to face these challenges, it is clear that community involvement and awareness are crucial in combating vandalism and ensuring that local youth sports can thrive.
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