TRAGEDY was narrowly averted when Storm Doris claimed Knowle Football Club as her victim last week – ripping the metal roofing off the building in one foul swoop and dumping it on the neighbouring Knowle Cricket Club pitch – all while 35 children on a football holiday camp were inside the building.
Miraculously nobody was injured – either in the clubhouse or as the roof crashed down onto the cricket pitch.
But the devastation has now left the club – a vital sporting facility at the heart of the village and which boasts 25 adults and children’s sides – without a home and facing a whopping £30,000 bill to replace the clubhouse, which was uninsured.
The cricket club is also counting the cost of the clear-up and the damage caused to its pitch where the roof gouged deep into the ground.
Knowle FC Chairlady Tracy Lake was said to be ‘in tears’ when she saw the damage – but thankful none of the youngsters on the holiday football camp were injured.
The village of Knowle is already rallying around to support the club with offers of help.
Solihull Moors have agreed to let the Knowle FC first team play its next two league fixtures at Damson Parkway free of charge while Arden Academy and Dorridge Primary School have also said the junior teams can play on their school fields for free.
“Everyone is in a state of shock and can’t believe the devastation that has been caused,” said Dave Sykes, Junior Secretary.
“But all of the kind support we have been offered goes to show the great community spirit in the Knowle area and the affection people have for the club.
“Everyone at the club would like to say a huge thank you for help given so far and all of the support yet to come, as Knowle FC still need a lot of help to overcome this massive challenge.”
If you can help Knowle FC in any way then either check out the crowdfunding site – www.crowdfunder.co.uk/knowle-fc-repairs-to-clubhouse.
Help is also needed from local businesses, clubs and tradespeople to help get Knowle FC back up and running – anyone who can help should e-mail: [email protected].
