Witney Football Club left shocked after storage ransacked and trophies destroyed

A youth football club has been left in shock after a storage container was ransacked and several end-of-season trophies destroyed.

Witney Vikings Youth Football Club have now set up a fundraising page which, at the time of writing, has already raised over £8,700.

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A team spokesperson said: “As anyone associated with the Witney Vikings knows, Steve Bott and all of the team’s managers and coaches have worked tirelessly throughout the year to support and promote the children of Witney to give their best in playing football.

“Unfortunately, some stupid and insensitive thugs broke into the containers housing the end of season trophies, leaving the children who worked hard all year with no results.

“As a community, it’s up to us to make sure our kids and coaches do well.”

The club has asked people to donate what they can – and the community has already gone above and beyond – with one person donating £3,000.

Witney councilor David Edwards-Hughes said the destruction was “heartbreaking to see”.

He said: “Making sure every player receives a trophy is a great end to the season.”

Mr Edwards-Hughes also welcomed the decision by county councilors Liam Walker and Ted Fenton to cover the cost of replacements through the Councilor Priority Fund.

Councilor Liam Walker said: “It is devastating that such senseless vandalism has taken place in Witney and that Witney Vikings must now look to replace the damaged trophies. »

“When I spotted the post on Facebook I spoke with my colleague ClIr Ted Fenton and we both agreed that we could help them by providing funding from our Councilor Priority Funds to help cover the cost replacing trophies for young players.

“There is also a GoFundMe page that has raised thousands of dollars from the community coming together to support them, which is just incredible.”

The Witney Vikings Youth Football Club brings together 40 teams of 700 players organized by 100 volunteers.

Thames Valley Police have been contacted for comment.