Wigan football club nets support after arson

Equipment at the football club which was destroyed by arsonists

Cherrybrook FC, based at Laithwaite Park, were the victims of vandalism after the equipment its children use to play football was set alight over Christmas.

Equipment such as nets, corner flags and barriers are just some of the items that were burnt and the club has estimated it will cost thousands of pounds to replace them.

But within days, donations began to flood in after appeals online to get the club back on its feet, which has seen nearly £3,000 raised.

The team were alerted to the damage on December 28 (Monday) after being told that arsonists had torched a container holding all the equipment.

Fire crews attended the incident and police have been contacted.

Mike Cotter, who runs the amateur football club, said he was left “disheartened” by the fire.

He said: “Someone has set fire to all of our equipment which the kids use to play football.

“Nets, corner flags, racking, training equipment, and respect barriers all lost.

It’s really disheartening, a couple of thousand pounds worth of kit have gone up in smoke.”

However he wanted to highlight the way in which the football community and councillors have rallied round to help the football club.

He said: “Teams have lent us nets and flags so that we can play matches and they have also set up a funding page.

“Despite the individuals who have done this, it’s a real story of Christmas giving.

“We are actually very fortunate to have such support.”

The kind-hearted efforts have seen local councillor Pat Draper, who represents the Douglas Ward, offer to help via Brighter Borough Funding to replace some of the equipment.

Coun Draper said: “The club is devastated and Mike is determined to carry on as the kids need to train and play.

“Other clubs have offered help via loaning out equipment for the present.

“I have supported Cherrybrook for nearly five years and I am determined this club will carry on, and this atrocious attack on one of our grassroots amateur football clubs vital equipment will not deter this club from carrying on helping our youth and communities.

“Mike Cotter and his team of volunteers has worked tirelessly over the years and this club has grown.”

To donate money to help the club, visit JustGiving and search for Cherrybrook FC.

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