THE methodical cutting of a soccer net at Old Aerodrome Ovals on the weekend was “blatant, pre-mediated and calculated”, Football Federation Sunraysia general manager Susan Watts says.
It was believed the act of vandalism on pitch 13 occurred either late Friday night or during the early hours of Saturday morning.
Ms Watts said it was another setback for FFS, a not-for-profit organisation, a week out from a new season.
“It’s like having your house robbed,” she said.
“You feel violated and really it’s just sad that people feel the need to do that.
“It is sad to know that someone out there in Mildura is happy to steal from a not-for-profit sporting organisation that provides opportunities to local junior and senior players to enjoy their sport.
“This net will cost the association quite a lot of money to replace and it’s even more disappointing that this has occurred when FFS is busy organising the (Country Leagues Football Association) Country Championships to be held over the June long weekend.”
It is understood there have been multiple incidents of theft and vandalism affecting a number of sports at Aero Ovals.
For FFS specifically, Ms Watts said their canteen had been the target of theft multiple times, while new pitch lighting, secured through a grant, was also stolen in November.
“Those were quite big lights … and because they were left out on the ground for a few nights, someone obviously thought there was some money to be made,” she said.
“Eight of those were stolen and each were worth about $8000 each.
“Someone knew what they were doing and must have had access to the area beforehand.”
With logistical planning well and truly under way for the CLFA Country Championships, Watts said the facility likely wouldn’t be to the preferred standard by the King’s birthday weekend.
“Because those lights got stolen and were meant to be finished for Christmas, everything is now so far behind, all this red loam is going to be around for the country champs because it’s four months behind schedule,” Ms Watts said.
