Football, football practices canceled until spring in Middletown after field vandalism

MIDDLETOWN, New Jersey (WABC) — Football and soccer practices at a field in Middleton, New Jersey, were canceled due to vandals.

It happened in one of Lincroft Acres’ fields when officials said individuals were driving through the field and making donuts.

And it’s not just children who will suffer the consequences: it could also cost local taxpayers thousands of dollars.

It is the only lit grass football pitch in this part of the town, forcing teams to scramble to find other facilities to use.

The damage was discovered last Wednesday by a coach preparing for a practice with one of the county’s many teams.

George Amores’ son Jack plays for Monmouth United.

“These children are now being moved to other areas to play and it hurts everyone, not only the children but also the community because they can’t use it either,” Amores said.

The field is unusable for the remainder of the season. Maintenance crews will have to re-seed the damaged areas and the field will not be ready again until spring.

“I think the community can talk to its children, if there are teenagers who like to go out with their friends and have fun, explain to them that certain things have a greater impact. Hundreds of children now cannot use this land,’” said Township Administrator Anthony Mecantante.

The vandalism amounted to approximately $10,000 in damages. The town plans to add security cameras to all of its sports fields.

Anyone with information on who may have intentionally destroyed this football field is asked to call the Middletown Township Police Department at 732-615-2100.

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