A Glasgow junior and community football club which three former Rangers heroes are now involved with have been left shattered after a “devastating act of vandalism” left their pitches unplayable.
Officials at Drumchapel United hit out after youths caused fire damage on the artificial surface at the Donald Dewar Pitches in the west end of the city. The award-winning grassroots football club which was founded in 2001 have been hit hard with many of their youth team being left to find alternative venues for fixtures. The club has more than 500 players with boys and girls teams and academies starting at the age of six.
Drumchapel won the West of Scotland Football League First Division last season and they made headlines in the summer when ex Ibrox strike star Nacho Novo joined as a coach. Fellow former Rangers players Gregg Wylde and David Templeton also play for them.
In a message on their Facebook page appealing for witnesses, they wrote: “We are reaching out to you with heavy hearts following the recent fire set at the Donald Dewar Pitches, a devastating act of vandalism that has deeply affected Drumchapel United Football Club. As a hub for sports and community engagement, our club provides training sessions and games seven days a week, catering to players of all ages and abilities, including walking football and disability football programs.
“This mindless act not only disrupts our club’s activities but also impacts the wider community, including local schools that rely on our facilities to host their tournaments.
“The loss is felt far beyond just the physical damage; it hampers our ability to provide a safe and welcoming environment for our young athletes and community members who look to us for support and development.
“We urge anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information to come forward. Your assistance is crucial in helping us rebuild and continue our mission to foster a love for the sport and a sense of community. Together, we can overcome this setback and ensure that the Donald Dewar Pitches remain a place for everyone to enjoy.”