FOLLOWING the break-ins at its clubhouse at Hutchison Park recently, Toti United FC Juniors promises to forge ahead and nurture young talent, regardless of the setbacks.

Also read: Toti United FC Juniors training set to kick off

The club’s secretary general, Cindy Blake, said two burglaries took place in the space of a week, with thieves removing all lights, electricity distribution boards, and all the wiring from the clubhouse. This caused damage worth thousands of rands which the club cannot afford.

Blake said the first incident happened on January 30 or 31, and it was reported to the police and a case was opened.

Also read: 8 steps to follow when reporting a crime

“We had the second incident on February 3, and I became aware after I received a report from ET Rapid Response. We have two cases opened and they are pending investigation. Right now we are in a bit of a predicament because we have been trying to move forward as a club but we are being set back by the criminal activities in our area,” said Blake.

Toti United FC Juniors trains about 200 children per week and it keeps registration fees as low as possible. It allows some children who cannot afford the annual fees to play for free.

Blake added that despite the setbacks, the club plans to continue growing and invites more parents to register their children.

The club is appealing for sponsorship and for the community to help get the clubhouse up and running again. For more information on how to help, call Blake on 072 269 0274.

Do you have more information pertaining to this story? Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom at 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist.