Police are hunting thieves who caused $15,000 damage to Hoppers Crossing Soccer Club’s home ground by ripping up synthetic turf just days from the start of its new season.
It’s the second incident of its type in Wyndham in a month, after a section of artificial grass valued at more than $5000 was stolen from the playground at Iramoo Primary School in Wyndham Vale on March 10.
Two large sections of synthetic turf were cut out of The Grange Reserve’s main soccer pitch in Hogans Road during the Easter long weekend, causing mayhem for the club.
Hoppers Crossing Soccer Club president Steve Lambrakakis said the pitch was declared too dangerous for play last week, forcing the cancellation of an over-35s game, rescheduling of junior fixtures and alternate venues having to be found for other matches.
“It’s very frustrating,” Mr Lambrakakis said.
“We have over 400 players and the majority train on the pitch – it’s just disappointing that somebody would do something like this.”
Werribee police’s Senior Constable Kelly Innes said the thieves had little regard for others.
“Schools and sporting clubs are an integral part of community and incidents like this affect so many people,” she said.
Mr Lambrakakis said the Wyndham council was expected to begin repairs on the pitch yesterday, the day before former Socceroo Harry Kewell is to host a junior coaching clinic at the club.
“We hope it will be fixed by then – it’s a big day for us,” he said.
