Motorbike riders have caused significant damage to Weston Junior Soccer Club’s playing field at Varty Park.
The vandalism occurred on Friday afternoon, less than 18 hours before the club was to host eight competition games.
Club president Michael Collas witnessed the group of seven teenagers tearing up the field on their bikes.
He confronted them and they rode away.
Mr Collas and club vice-president Darren ‘Bones’ Wheatley inspected the damage on Friday evening, and with club volunteers worked from 7am on Saturday morning to patch up the holes in time for the morning’s play.
“It was a bit touch and go, but we managed to get out there,” Mr Collas said.
Mr Collas said illegal dirt bike activity is a huge problem in the area, but the riders usually stick to the old cricket field.
However, last week about a group rode through the park while training was on – posing a huge risk to players’ safety.
“They’ve got not respect,” Mr Collas said.
The ground has been targeted by vandals several times in recent years – the toilet block has been set on fire, a strobe light alarm has been broken, the amenities block graffitied and fences damaged.
Anyone with information is urged to contact to Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.
