“Unplayable”: Fleur De Lys FC and RFC once again see their pitches vandalised

For the second time this season, Fleur De Lys’ football and rugby teams have had their home pitches vandalised.

Just days ahead of their first game of the season in August 2023, the football club, who play in the Gwent Premier Division, had to find another venue after their goalposts were chopped down by vandals.

Now, the club has had the worst possible start to the new year, after discovering motorbike track marks all over the pitch at Trelyn Park, meaning matches this weekend could be called off.

Speaking to Caerphilly Observer about the incident, club chairman and youth team coach Nathan Lloyd said: “It’s happened a few times now and it’s becoming a serious problem.

“The rugby pitch looks far worse in fairness – basically unplayable. But we have over 200 kids here who all rely on this pitch to play football. They’re itching to get back out there after Christmas, but we might have to push it back a week. It’s a shame.”

Mr Lloyd explained how while there are barriers at the top end of the pitch, the rest is left open to the public.

“I was down here training one day a few months ago and some people tried coming onto the pitch with horses, it’s not ideal. In a perfect world we’d have barriers all around.”

Asked if the club could play on the pitch in Pengam, which was provided by Caerphilly County Borough Council after the last incident, Mr Lloyd said: “Unfortunately, whilst that pitch was good until around October time, due to a lack of drainage, it’s unusable throughout the winter.

“I’ve been in touch with the council who have said they’ll come out and try and repair the pitch, but we’re not sure when that’ll be.

“It’s hard enough work as it is running such a big club with volunteers, but as gutted as I am, it’s the kids who ultimately miss out.”

To make the situation worse for the club, after a promising start to the season which sees the senior side third and just four points from top, the club have recently applied for a pitch inspection should they get promoted.

Mr Lloyd added: “The inspection is due to take place in February so hopefully all is sorted by then. We’re a relatively new club who are hoping to grow on and off the field.”