Camelon community rallies round football club

The blaze, which is still being investigated by police, broke out at Carmuirs Park, home of Camelon Juniors, around 4.30am.

It totally destroyed a large container which was being used by a foodbank, Love Falkirk Pantry, to help locals during the coronavirus pandemic and was earmarked for additional changing rooms when football resumes.

The junior club’s officials and players have spent lockdown making improvements to the ground in Fairlie Street.

They have also given up lots of time to work with Camelon Community Hub, delivering meals and food parcels to schoolchildren and others in need.

Club secretary Tony Smith said: “Everyone involved with the club is devastated that this had happened. On Sunday when we heard it was difficult to comprehend who would do something like this.

“However, it has been very humbling how the community has rallied round to provide support. As well as a GoFundMe appeal set up, people have been turning up at the door with donations of money, offering tools to help us deal with the damage and others wanting to help.

“If one thing has come out of this senseless act, it has made us realise how much those around here appreciate what Camelon Juniors is 
trying to do for the community.”

As well as running teams at all age groups, the club held summer camps for youngsters, all manned by volunteers.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: “Enquiries into the circumstances and the cause of the fire are ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 101, quoting incident 1087 of August 23.”

Meanwhile, Stenhousemuir FC have also reported vandalism at their Ochilview ground.

Jamie Swinney CEO said: “It is very frustrating to still be continuing after we highlighted the incidents previously. We have spoken to the police and will continue to monitor the situation and try to deter them.

“While the damage is not extensive, it is significant and we can’t risk it escalating on top of the additional protocols we are required to follow at the facility.”