Councillors launch fundraiser after football clubhouse vandalised

Portsmouth councillors have launched a fundraiser for a football club in Drayton after it was targeted by vandals.

Local ward councillors Spencer Gardner and Simon Bosher have started fundraising for Fleur de Lys Football Club in Drayton Park.

The clubhouse was targeted overnight, with vandals tearing off more than 100 roof tiles and causing an estimated £1,000 of damage.

The club, which is run entirely by volunteers, faced significant costs until a GoFundMe page quickly raised £320 towards its £1,000 target.

David and Bradley Claringbould, owners of Drayton-based All Aspect Roofing and Scaffolding, volunteered to carry out the work free of charge. SIG Roofing Portsmouth also donated all the materials after hearing about the damage.

“This is a testament to the incredible community spirit we have here in Drayton and Farlington,” said Cllr Gardner.

“Because of the kindness of All Aspect Roofing and SIG Roofing, every penny raised by the public can now go directly back into the club to support local children and community facilities.”

In response to the incident, council officers have assessed the site for CCTV installation, while Donna Jones, Police and Crime Commissioner, is exploring further action to prevent antisocial behaviour.

Councillors also extended special thanks to Debbie Kocziban for first suggesting the fundraiser, which can be found here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-repair-fleur-de-lys-football-club-after-vandalism

Fleur de Lys Football Club was founded in 1967 by John Nevatte, who applied for two local Cub packs to take part in the Cub League.

The club’s website states that while the application was successful, the team was entered into the Leigh Park League in error and “the rest, as they say, is history.”

The club is now recognised by the Football Association and has around 30 youth teams.