'Everything gone' after devastating arson attack at Yorkshire football club base

The fire at Thirsk Falcons’ base broke out in the lock-up for the junior section at about 1pm on Sunday and passers-by said they had filmed two teenagers running from the scene.

Under-16s coach Gary Wood said the lock-up, at Thirsk Racecourse, had a huge amount of equipment built up over a number of years that volunteers had fundraised for or local firms had donated to the club, which has about 370 members.

He said: “This will unfortunately have an effect on our junior teams the most in what is an already difficult time. This is a huge setback for the club as they look to expand to new levels in the new season.”

Leeds United footballer Alfie McCalmont is among those appealing now for donations to get members back on their feet.

"Really hard to see my local team and the first club I played for having to deal with this sort of behaviour," the footballer, who also plays for Northern Ireland International said.

"Any donations will be hugely appreciated and will help them get things back to normal!"

'Blackened shell'

The lock-up was used to store equipment for the under-7s to under-14s teams as well as house some sentimental items, such as boards and pictures, footballs, goals and line-marking equipment.

Despite the efforts of firefighters, the structure was left a blackened shell.

Mr Wood said: “People have been horrified by this. We had it vandalised about two months ago, so we’d locked it up properly before lockdown to make sure that everything was safe. Now everything has gone. Vandalism is one thing, arson is something else.

“There is a cafe next door to the lock-up with gas canisters, so if the fire had spread, the firefighters could have lost their lives.”

While the club is seeking volunteers to help clear up the mess left by the fire, members said it was even more inconvenient as it had come just weeks before the club was due to move to the Sowerby Gateway Sports Village.

Those responsible for the fire have been condemned by scores of people on social media.

North Yorkshire Police has launched an investigation into the fire.

To help the club, which was established in 1948 and has 21 teams starting at three-year-olds, replace the estimated £5,000 of equipment lost in the fire a crowdfunding drive has been launched and has reached more than £2,000 in a day.

To donate, search Thirsk Falcons on gofundme.com

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