AFC Monton appear to be finding their feet again as they close in on an £800 fundraising target after being targeted by vandals.
Thieves stole two hand mowers from the club’s New Alder Park home before setting fire to a container with hundreds of pounds-worth of children’s football equipment inside.
It left club supporters in despair just days before they were due to open their new clubhouse for centenary celebrations.
Read: Anger as thieves torch kids’ football kit in Monton
Well-wishers have raised £650 to replace the stolen gear and Secretary Tony Lee now feels confident the club can surpass their target.
Read more: Appeal: Anger as thieves torch kids’ football kit in Monton
Tony said: “Everyone has been fantastic, as soon as the SalfordOnline story went on Facebook people were donating and asking how they could help.
“[The attack] was so inconvenient on our 100th anniversary and just before our launch day.
“The club rallied round though and everyone has been really good.”
AFC Monton held a ‘Funday Sunday’ event yesterday for the opening up of their new £300,000 clubhouse.
Rugby league legend Adrian Morley was on hand to cut through the ribbon at the special event in AFC Monton’s 100th year.
Read more: Adrian Morley to open AFC Monton’s new £300,000 clubhouse in centenary year
The first team were due to play local neighbours and Manchester Premier League rivals Hindsford FC but unfortunately this was abandoned due to a waterlogged pitch.
All the underage groups managed to play however, which Tony marks as a success: “It was an excellent day for the club.
“All the teams were well represented and if anything we couldn’t take many more people, we were at maximum capacity and the car park was full!”
If you want to help AFC Monton, there’s a JustGiving page here where you can donate.
