An amateur football club has been left devastated after vandals struck for the third weekend in a row.

Horwich RMI AFC had only just completed repairs on their newly built dug out following previous incidents of vandalism.

A dug out is known as a sheltered area where managers and substitute players typically sit on benches.

The club had not finished building the dug outs, and club development officer Mike Fish says it is a huge blow to a 'voluntary organisation' there to support the local community.

Mike says that vandals have broken the locks on the dug outs and snuck inside.

He said: “As a voluntary organisation, the budgets are very tight.

The Bolton News:

“It costs us around £12k to look after the pitches.

“It’s money out of the pot that needs to be spent on the youth programme.

“It’s painful for us, and this comes at a cost for voluntary organisation there to support the local community.”

Mike said that they have previously replaced locks that have been damaged, and that they have had to pay for them themselves, which puts an added strain on the club.

Now the club is to tighten security.

Mike plans to speak to the community police officer, as well as potentially installing CCTV to deter people.

The Bolton News: U8’s Tornadoes with a very proud coach Wes after their game against Boothstown Vipers in December last yearU8’s Tornadoes with a very proud coach Wes after their game against Boothstown Vipers in December last year (Image: Public)

Mike added: “We did used to have a community police officer who came to do routine checks, so we will reach out to them and consider CCTV around there, given the current situation.

“It’s just a financial impact and work that costs every time they do this.”

The club currently play in the Lancashire Amateur League which focus on helping children look after their health and wellbeing through football.

The children’s age ranges for children start from under 6’s all the way to under 13s, as well as an adult 1st Team and 2nd Team.

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