Community rallies round after Balintore vandalism shocker hits Easter Ross youth football
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AN Easter Ross community is rallying around after a local facility was hit by a "shocking" act of vandalism.
Police are probing the incident which devastated changing rooms at Balintore used by scores of local children and young people involved in football.
Do Soccer Academy provide football training for children from primary to secondary ages in Tain and the surrounding area from the base in Balintore.
Members were appalled to find serious damage to the doors and electrics at the football clubhouse.
A toilet was also smashed, causing flooding inside the building.
The matter was reported to the police and an investigation is ongoing.
Members of the local community were quick to come to the club's aid, with offers of repairs and free labour being made to help get them back on their feet.
A spokesperson for the club said: "The damage was a big shock to us all, but there have been several amazing and generous offers of help come in from both individuals and from the community to help repair the damage that was done and we are really looking forward to getting that work completed.
"We would like to ask anyone wishing to lend a hand with repairs or donate please get in touch with us we would love some help."
Balintore and Hilton Community Council chairman Alastair Gill said Do Soccer Academy had done "a fantastic job in training local youngsters every week".
He said: "Their funds will be depleted due to the repair costs. The commuity council will be making a donation to help out."
The setback came in the same week that the club's head coach announced he would be stepping down from his role after many years.
Zakeer Khan said in a post on social media that he had not been enjoying coaching as much as he once had and that a difficult past couple of years had drained some of his love for the game.
Mr Khan said: "I would like to thank the Balintore community and all our sponsors for supporting the club throughout the years. Parents who have helped in various capacities, especially those who have got involved coaching, fundraising and improving the facility.
"But most of all I would like to thank all the children, past and present, firstly for the memories, watching them develop not only as footballers but as human beings. It's been a genuine pleasure."
Mr Khan will remain with the club in an advisory capacity as a coach holding relevant disclosure until the committee can appoint new coaches.
The club committee expressed their determination to get their facility back up and running to continue the work started by the Mr Khan.
A spokesperson said: "Zak has run very successful and popular training sessions, as well as hosted league matches at Balintore for several years. These sessions have been very well attended and appreciated by the local community at all age groups. He has been personally very dedicated to youth football.
"We really want to carry on the good work that Zak has put in here and hope to offer sessions again soon."
Many parents and well-wishers took to social media to endorse those sentiments.
For their under 16 squad, the club are planning to arrange a friendly at the end of April and an awards night in June for all ages of the academy.
