Fire-hit football club's appeal over festive match

Members of a football team whose ground was damaged by fire just days after being promoted have appealed for help to ensure it is ready to host a festive match.

Thorne Colliery's facilities, in Doncaster, were damaged by a blaze on 10 May and it has been unable to host any home games since October after the clubhouse was condemned.

While temporary buildings had since been built, the club said it still needed to raise £30,000 to transform them into changing rooms before its match against Armthorpe on 28 December.

First team manager James O'Neill said he also hoped supporters would "come out in their numbers" to offer their time or materials so the club was ready for its Christmas fixture.

Mr O'Neill said the team had celebrated winning promotion to Division One of the North East Counties League just six days before the fire.

"We lifted the trophy - the first time the club's won the league in almost 40 years - then, unfortunately, our changing rooms were set on fire.

"Ever since then, it's been such a challenging time for the people at the club just to keep the club alive."

Despite extensive damage from the blaze, the changing rooms at the ground were still useable until the building was fully condemned in October, Mr O'Neill said.

Club members said they feared that if the facilities were not fixed, Thorne Colliery could be dropped from the league.

Cian Stringer, the club's development officer, said that would not just be the loss of a century of footballing history.

"It's like the heart in the community. We have a massive junior section, with hundreds of player involved," he explained.

When playing at home, between 200 to 300 attended and it "brings everyone together", he added.

"Everyone can have a drink and speak to each other. So it's really important to the community here."

The club has now launched a fundraising appeal and has urged people to help convert the new cabins at the ground so they are ready for the match just after Christmas.

Mr O'Neill said it was a "big project" and the club needed help.

"We have a wonderful group of people who already work hard at the club as volunteers, and a good group of supporters," he said.

"We would love them to come out in their numbers, whether they can give up some time or support us in donating materials.

"We're just all working hard and if people can in any way, shape or form give us that support, it would be really appreciated."

South Yorkshire Police said two boys, aged 15 and 16, and a man, 19, had been arrested and bailed in connection with the blaze at the club in May.

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