Lytham Town FC's anger at vandalism

Academy manager Lee Mitchell and colleagues at Lytham Town FC were shocked to find that unwanted visitors had ripped nets from junior practice pitches at the Ballam Road ground and set them alight.

Broken glass was also found strewn around.

“It really make you wonder why you bother trying to give the community a club we all work hard at,” said Lee.

“We have problems every year as soon as the late nights start, with groups of young people coming on the ground, making dens and leaving their rubbish behind.

“It has been quiet in recent weeks with lockdown on but since some restrictions were lifted, they’re back and this damage was really bad.

“With the floods at Park View next door a few months ago, we had a spell without games and we have been off because of lockdown for three months, so these nets were practically brand new and cost hundreds of pounds to replace.

“We try to make the place as secure as we can but they still find a way to get in.”

Aileen Ames, whose son Lewis plays for Town’s under-eights team, said: “It's so upsetting – I just don’t know why people cause damage like that.

“There was also fire damage to the clubhouse not too long ago and all the time it costs money to put right.

“The subs we pay should be going to the benefit of the players – not repairs to pointless damage.”

Lytham Town's first team plays in the West Lancashire League Premier Division and the club also runs junior teams from under-six to under-18.

Joe Riley, who was snapped up from the club by Manchester United as a youngster and now plays for Bradford City, is a notable product of Town's youth system.

Anyone who can help with any information about the vandalism, which happened on Tuesday, is asked to contact the club.