Community rallies to support its football club after break-in

A community has rallied in support of its football club after thieves stole £4,000 worth of stock and equipment.

Aber Valley FC was targeted early last month, with a power generator and thousands of pounds worth of essential football equipment among the items taken.

The burglars used a disc cutter to break into a storage container that also serves as a refreshments stall on matchdays, which is a vital source of income for the club, which plays its games on Abertridwr Park.

Club secretary Sophie John also revealed that the thieves attempted to break into a second container at the Welfare Park ground but failed. 

In a social media post on March 3, the club described the break-in as “disgusting and devastating,” and appealed for information.

Following the break-in, the community rallied together, and the club has since received generous donations to help rebuild.

Known for its strong local support, the club competes in the South Wales Alliance Premier League – the fourth tier of Welsh football. It runs teams from under-fives through to veterans, with around 400 children in its junior section. 

Club chairman Peter Radzimierski said: “I’ve been with the club the best part of 44 years, and when I came down here and the container had been broken into, it was heartbreaking.” 

Caerphilly-based housing association United Welsh, which previously supported the club’s foodbank appeal, responded to the call for help and brought South Wales-based contractor M&J Cosgrove on board. 

United Welsh donated £500 to replace stock and food items, while M&J Cosgrove replaced the generator, tea urn, slow cooker, medical box, ball pump and ten footballs. 

“United Welsh and M&J Cosgrove have been unbelievable,” said Mr Radzimierski. “When you’ve got companies like this who are willing to help out, it means we can carry on supporting the community and helping the little ones coming through. 

“It has rejuvenated me and makes me think that there is a reason to go on and push forward.”

Helen Greenway, community benefits co‑ordinator at United Welsh, said: “Aber Valley FC supports hundreds of children in the community, including many of our young residents, so when we heard about the recent theft we wanted to do everything possible to help. 

“Working with M&J Cosgrove, we have been able to replace the items stolen, which will allow the club to use the storage container to sell refreshments during matchdays and provide a vital source of income.”

Jamie Caveill, operations director at M&J Cosgrove, said: “We were saddened to hear about the recent break-in at Aber Valley FC, so when United Welsh reached out to us to see if we could help, we were more than willing to. 

“The club does such a lot for the kids and the community, so if there is any way we can help out, we will as we know just how important they are for local people.” 

Thanks to the generosity of both organisations, Aber Valley were able to play the following weekend, despite initial doubts after the break‑in.