Appeal 'will likely be needed' after Storm Ciarán destroys sports pitches
The club say they will have to wait to assess the damage
Last updated 3rd Nov 2023
The volunteer team behind Ilchester Youth Football Club say they're 'heartbroken' after Storm Ciarán left their pitches unplayable.
The team say they'll have to wait for the water levels to fall to understand the full extent of the damage - before starting an appeal for help.
The community club operate 24 youth teams from under 7s to under 16s, as well as three men's teams and a vet over-35's team - as a well as working with reception children and are one of the biggest in the area.
They also support armed forces families and veterans around RNAS Yeovilton.
Vice Chair Jon Easter said: "It's more than just kicking a football around for half an hour - that's grassroots schools around the country, it brings and pulls everyone together."
He says they are 'a community' and encourage youngsters to get active and learn new skills - and the impact of not being able to play will be felt by many parents and youngsters.
The Ilchester Sports' Trust owns the field, which the club leases long-term - and Mr Easter club say they are 'extremely supportive' of the club and its work.
He says the flooding will also impact the trust as a result due to 'shared financial burden'.
The club is exploring potential short-term options for playing and are keen to hear from anyone who can offer support.
In a post online, club secretary Gemma Pack said: "We do not yet know how long this will take to recover and the impact this will have on our teams. We are working incredibly hard to keep our teams playing and limit the impact on our players and the leagues.
"A lot of work will need to be done to make the pitches playable and the financial impact will be large.
"If anyone thinks they can offer any assistance please do reach out on ilchestersecretary@gmail.com"