A devastating arson attack was carried out earlier this month (on Wednesday 13 March) at the old Scout hut on West Road, which in turn will have serious consequences for grassroots football activities locally.
A Durham police spokesperson, writing on the Shildon Police Facebook page in the aftermath said: “We urge anyone with information to come forward immediately.
“Any intelligence relating to this incident could be crucial.
“Parents, do you know where your kids were last night? Please encourage them to speak up if they witnessed anything.
“A joint investigation between Durham Constabulary and [the fire service] is currently ongoing.
“If you have any information, call 101 or Crimestsoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
Meanwhile, Shildon Football Development Centre, who manage the Scouts Field through a charity, said: “The club is saddened to see that, last night, the changing rooms at the scouts field have been burned out.
“We had plans in place to start using the facility for Under 10 games and training. We as volunteers try our best to provide an offer of football in Shildon, only for the minority to spoil it.”
However, the vandalism has left the development centre undeterred, with the new under 10s side’s coaching going ahead as planned (pictured below).
The team is made up of 8 to 10-year-olds who progressed from the club’s development sessions and is already growing in confidence every week, having started playing friendly games, ready for the next league intake.
The team is managed and coached by Leigh Bendelow and assisted by Elliott Finch.
Leigh has vast experience, managing and coaching at all age groups while Elliott has been with the development centre for almost ten years and plays in goal for the clubs first team.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
