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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Naina Bhardwaj

Scots football club goes up in flames leaving community 'devastated'

A Scots football club chairman has said how "devastated" he is after the club went up in flames in less than an hour of joining the league.

Emergency services rushed to Eastvale Football Club on Milton Road in Windygates, Fife at around 9.23pm on Tuesday, June 14.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) immediately dispatched two appliances to the scene and crews extinguished the fire.

The firefighters left after making sure the area safe but Chairman David Smith noted how he was left feeling "absolutely devastated."

The SFRS immediately dispatched two appliances to the scene (Fife Jammer Locations)

On a Facebook post, he continued: "Devastated doesn’t even come close.

"Well. what a brutal night for Eastvale FC, the committee and helpers who haven’t stopped all year trying to get the place up to scratch for next season!

"We actually just got our application accepted and joined the league at 8pm and by 8.45pm, the building was set on fire deliberately!

"Don’t know who done it or why they done it but all I can ask is if anyone seen anything or heard anything could you please message me.

"Just had all the showers all done and fixed building just been painted inside and scrubbed top to bottom!!

"Sitting here right now absolutely devastated spent so many up there."

David is reaching out for further information (David Smith/Facebook)

However, the local community has rallied around the club and offered their help and support in less than 24 hours of he blaze.

Councillor Colin Davidson said: "It’s tragic when a facility provided by and well used by a community is damaged by fire.

"The pavilion used by Eastvale was ruined last night. However the community itself has already responded."

A sportsman's brunch followed by entertainment has been organised for the 31st of July to try and raise funds for repair.

Meanwhile, East Fife Football Club and called and offered sets of strips and balls for Eastvale FC to use in the meantime.

Fifers for the Community have also offered changing facilities and set up to play on. They also plan to donate significantly financially.

Cllr Davidson added: "I’m meeting with a representative of the Eastvale committee this evening and members of the community to ensure the team will be supported through these difficult times.

"Let’s hope we can all rally around the committee, players and the village in the coming days and especially on the 31st July and get the team back on the park for the start of the season! "

An SFRS spokesperson said: “We were alerted at 9.23pm on Tuesday 14 June to reports of a fire affecting a portacabin at Greig Park, Milton Road, Windygates, Fife.

“Operations control immediately mobilised two fire appliances to the location and firefighters extinguished the fire.

“Crews left the scene after ensuring the area was made safe.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Police were called to a fire in Milton Road, Windygates on Tuesday 14 June 2022 around 10pm.

"The fire was extinguished by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. Enquiries are ongoing."

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