Thetford Town Youth FC in Norfolk experienced an illegal occupation by travellers who forced entry using an angle grinder and subsequently set up approximately 20 caravans on the club's pitches. The group arrived on Friday afternoon and remained until Sunday evening, causing damage to the main gate and driving vehicles over the playing fields.
Club officials reported that the travellers also attempted to force locks on goalposts with an angle grinder. Following the group's departure, volunteers spent a full day cleaning up the site, filling five trailers with waste. The debris included used nappies, cans, and a car seat.
Darren Iles, a director at Thetford Town FC, stated that the club had recently invested approximately £2,000 in grass seed and fertiliser for the pitches, which have now been damaged. The cleanup operation's cost will be covered by the club's youth funds. Volunteers maintained a vigil throughout the travellers' stay to prevent further damage.
Nigel Armes, chairman of Thetford Town Youth FC, highlighted the damage caused by vehicles driving over the pitches, estimating repair costs to be in the thousands. The club's statement on social media thanked the volunteers for their dedication and vigilance during the incident.