News / Football
Football club determined to bounce back after ‘devastating act of vandalism’
A Bristol football club has been left with thousands of pounds worth of damage, after a car was driven onto the club’s home ground and set alight “deliberately”.
Bristol Manor Farm Football Club, who are based at the NL Services Stadium in Sea Mills, are now raising funds to try and bounce back after the “devastating act of vandalism” on Friday night.
Explaining the incident on their JustGiving page, the team said: “A car was driven onto our pitch at The NL Services Stadium and deliberately set alight — destroying a section of the playing surface, goalposts, and nets.
is needed now More than ever
“What should have been a joyful home fixture day quickly became one of shock and heartbreak for our entire community.”
View this post on Instagram
The Bristol football club was scheduled to host a match against Avonmouth FC on the ground in Sea Mills on Saturday, which had to be moved to Avonmouth due to the extent of damage from the incident.
After a score of 2-1, the Bristol Manor Farm FC were able to return home with winning smiles after the management admitted what had been an “emotional day” for the club.
In order to bring the field back to its former glory, the football club will need to make repairs to its pitch and playing surface, replace goalposts and nets and install enhanced security measures to protect itself from any other such future incidents.
The management has set up a fundraiser, #UpTheFarm, to try and raise £5,000 of which more than half has already been raised.
Emphasising the club’s importance for the community, the team added: “Bristol Manor Farm FC is more than just a football club. We’re a community hub.
“A place for families, volunteers, and fans who give everything for the badge. Over the past few years, we’ve fought hard to improve our facilities, build a youth pathway, and create something the local area can be proud of.
“This setback won’t stop us. But we need your help. Let’s come together, show what Bristol football is all about, and get The Farm fighting fit again.”
In a statement about the incident, a spokesperson from Avon and Somerset police said: “At about 11.55pm on Friday 25 July we were made aware of a vehicle fire at Bristol Manor Football Club. We are treating the cause of the fire as suspicious.
“There was damage to the pitch too, believed to have been caused by the same vehicle.
“Officers have attended the scene and CCTV enquiries are underway.”
Main photo: Bristol Manor Farm FC
Read next:
Our newsletters emailed directly to you
