Man charged over football club blaze
Juniors devastated after two fires hit clubhouse - in 24 hours
A football club have appealed for help after their ground was gutted in an alleged arson attack.
The Maybole Juniors clubhouse suffered extensive damage following two blazes within 48 hours at Ladywell Stadium.
Police confirmed two fires had been lit at the home of the 70- year- old club.
They broke out at 1am on Christmas Eve and 1am on Boxing Day.
A 27- year- old man has been arrested and was due to appear in court this week.
The home dressing room and manager’s room bore the brunt of the damage.
Much of the team’s kit was also destroyed while a hole was burnt in the middle of the physio’s table.
The club’s shocked secretary Alex Meek has called for people to rally round and help refurbish the home of the Ayrshire District League side.
He said: “Hopefully, local people will help us get back on our feet.
“Our club was built by volunteer help, a fact once commented upon by the Duke of Edinburgh.
“The interior damage is bad and we have also lost strips and other equipment.
“We have asked to play our league games away from home during January but we don’t know yet when we will be able to return.”
The electric supply to the ground has been turned off while a big clean- up operation is now underway.
Distraught team manager Carlo Walker said the club were appealing for help from plasterers, decorators and electricians to allow the team to resume playing on home soil. The club had only recently won a £ 1000 grant from North Carrick Community Council to carry out redecoration.
Carlo Walker says Maybole are playing with a smile on their faces thanks to a crop of fresh faced teenagers.
And he insists the youngest Ladywell team for years has put a fresh spring in his step and that of the club supporters.
But while it’s smiles on the park, it’s despair off it after the Maybole clubhouse was badly damaged in two separate fires at the weekend.
Ayr United farm- outs Adam Caldwell, Craig Brown and Nathan Baird, all 17, are joined by 16- year- old Gavin Scott from the SFA School of Excellence at Grange Academy.
Stranraer youngster Fraser McMillan and Valspar kids Calum Walker and Fraser Dempsey are also playing their part.
Boss Walker is filled with enthusiasm about his proteges and claimed: “It’s the youngest team I’ve had and the great thing is they listen to you when you coach and don’t snap back.
“From a personal point of view, it’s really enjoyable to be back as a coach and trying to make them better.
“Adam, Craig and Nathan are smashing boys while I am amazed that Gavin doesn’t have a senior club.
“Fraser is only 17 but built like a man. He is outstanding in a back three, he can stay a mile and throw the ball further than I can kick it.
“We have built good links with Valspar and if we can hold on to these boys it will make us even better.
“Stuart Peacock is 35 and the granddad of the team but Tommy Sloan and Chris Allan also lend good experience.
“Alex Meek, our long serving secretary, loves it. Our wage bill is down and our club is a happy place.
“All the players have smiles on their faces and enjoy playing here.”
Maybole are now appealing for volunteer help to rebuild their fire damaged clubhouse. Their next home game has already been re- scheduled.