A Staffordshire football club was left “devastated” after their clubhouse was vandalised by “mindless” vandals, leaving thousands of pounds of damage.
Stone Town FC’s base on Old Road in Oulton Heath was hit with more than £10,000 worth of damage, including paint thrown at the bar and ceiling tiles torn out.
A fundraiser has now been started for Stone Town FC, with the club’s captain John Beech telling GB News it just “felt like senseless antisocial behaviour.”
Staffordshire Police has confirmed they are investigating the break in, encouraging eyewitnesses to come forward.
Mr Beech told GB News how the countertops had “been destroyed” with paint thrown across the room.
Even more tragically, the incident came after thousands of pounds were poured in the clubhouse over the last six months, covering provision such as changing rooms and the installation of showers, lighting, carpets and a TV.
The 38-year-old said: “As a club we were hoping it was getting to the stage where we were hoping to use the clubhouse for after games, which which is intended for, but it’s been a few years since we’ve been able to use it for that situation.
“We were literally just at the point where we were’t far away from being able to use the clubhouse to cook food and supply an after meal drink. That’s what keeps the club going, money wise.”
The bar had paint thrown against it
|
STONE TOWN FC
The entrance area, the club’s bar, the toilets as well as the referee’s changing room were all severely damaged in the incident, which had a knock on effect on the club’s morale.
Mr Beech continued: “The team were devastated really because it’s very tight club.
“All the lads stick together, like a few years ago, we all got together and did the under pitch drainage ourselves during the lockdown seasons because we just don’t have the financial backing to do these things.”
While he said it may take a while for the club to fully repair the club house, several local businesses had come forward to offer their support for the club.
Mr Beech added: “But the rebuild, that’s going to cost a lot.”
Large parts of the ceiling caved into the clubhouse
|
STONE TOWN FC
While Mr Beech said he didn’t know who was involved in the incident, he said the community response from the people of Stone had cheered him up.
He said: “Local people have turned up with their kids just to sweep up. That restores your faith a bit.
“It just feels like senseless, antisocial behaviour. There’s no motive, just mindless destruction. Who defecates in somewhere they’ve broken into? It’s disgusting.”
To donate to the club’s fundraiser, click here.
Paint was poured across the floor
|
STONE TOWN FC
A Staffordshire Police spokesman told GB News: “We were called at 4.20pm on Tuesday, February 10 to a business on Old Road in Oulton Heath, Stone, following reports of a break-in.
“A premises had sustained criminal damage, including a number of smashed windows, TVs and paint thrown inside. Officers attended along with forensic investigators.
“Our inquiries are continuing. Anyone with information, relevant CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage should contact us on 101 quoting incident number 552 of February 10.
“To report anonymously, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”