Update from Ashford Hockey Club Chair, Chris Smith. (19.8.2026)

We have been blown away by the kindness and generosity of members of Ashford Hockey Club, Kennington Juniors Football Club and the wider community following the attack on the Ball Lane Clubhouse.

We sincerely thank everyone that has donated to the Just Giving page that was set up in the immediate aftermath of the attack.

In just a few days we have raised over £8000 which (when combined with our insurer's contributions) will be enough to cover the cost of the boarding up and the replacement glass for all eight windows.

However, given the seemingly calculated and premeditated attack on both the hockey club house and cricket pavilion used by Kennington Juniors FC, the committee feel that we have no choice but to immediately proceed with increased security measures in the form of full window shutters and upgraded CCTV covering both buildings on the site and surrounding areas, including the car park and hockey pitch. We will also consider further security measures and improvements to the site as necessary.

Such measures will significantly reduce the risk of future attacks and mean that we can continue to safely provide opportunities for over 1000 children and adults to participate in hockey and football alike at Ball Lane every week.

The club is simply not in a position to pay for the above unplanned measures and it’s for this reason that we will keep the Just Giving page open and increase the target once we are aware of the extent of the expenditure required. If any individual, team or group would like to help us fundraise, please get in touch.

We will of course continue to provide updates across the social media pages of both AHC and KJFC as the improvements are made.

But for now, thank you once again. What was a devastating attack has turned into a catalyst for such an incredible community response that we can all be proud of. All of us at both AHC and KJFC are beyond grateful for the support we have received.

Chris Smith

Every single window on the front of the Ball Lane clubhouse used by Ashford Hockey Club and Kennington Juniors Football Club has been smashed by mindless vandals using a catapult. (Extensive damage has also been done to the cricket pavilion on the same site).

The damage is going to cost thousands to repair and we will need to invest in additional security measures going forward.

Between them these sports clubs regularly help over a thousand people (most of them children) get active, make friends and do something positive for their community.

Its heart-breaking that funds (and volunteer's time) that should be used to enhance the sporting opportunities will now have to go towards the clean up operation, replacement windows and upgraded security.