Our local youth football club has recently been the victim of serious fraud, which is under investigation by Hampshire Police. In the meantime, this means that money intended to cover our pitch fees, referees, coaches and other expenses is gone.

ATYFC is a not-for-profit club with over 130 youth players, run by volunteer coaches and committee members who are committed to supporting our local community and keeping children in grassroots football. Our priority is the children, giving them stability, routine, and the chance to see their season through with their teammates and friends.

This sad situation has left us in huge financial difficulty, with £10,000 urgently needed so that we can finish the current season. This funding will cover outstanding debts to volunteer coaches for payments made for training and match fees. Any funds raised above this will pay for end of season trophies, which we traditionally reward our players with at the end of every season.

We know this is an especially hard time of year and asking for help is not something we do lightly.

We would like to express our enormous gratitude to ASC (Charlton Astro), Knights Enham and John Hanson schools who have generously allowed our children to return to football in January, despite knowing that we currently have no mechanism in place to pay the debts owed or upcoming fees. The local leagues have also offered to support where they can. Their support embodies the true spirit of grassroots football.

If you are able to donate no matter how small or share this appeal within the local community, you will be helping support the club, coaches, volunteers and our young players during an incredibly challenging time.

From all of us at Andover Town Youth Football Club: thank you for your kindness, generosity, and support.