A football club where Newcastle United legend Shola Ameobi honed his skills is reeling from a break-in that caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage.
Walker Central Football Club, which coaches youngsters in Newcastle's East End, was burgled on Saturday night.
Staff came in on Sunday morning to find the door smashed and the office and cafe area ransacked.
Club chairman Danny Sutherland said the incident, which happened at around 12.20am on Sunday morning, was disheartening for the young players and volunteers who work there.
He added: "We are trying to provide a safe environment for children from all backgrounds to come here and take part in activities.
"This could not have happened at a worse time. We are in the middle of a recruitment drive to try and encourage more young people to join the club.
"We are a registered charity and every penny raised goes back into providing opportunities for the children, so it's quite disappointing for this to happen.
"Nothing was stolen as far as we know. We don't keep anything of value on the premises - all the money gets banked. But hundreds of pounds worth of damage was casued."
However Mr Sutherland said the community had rallied round to support the club, with people coming forward with donations or offers of help to repair the damage.
"People have been offering to carry out repairs for free or give donations," he said. "The whole community has been fantastic."
Northumbria Police are investigating the incident and are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.
A spokesman said: "We can confirm we are investigating reports of a burglary at Walker Central Football Club on Monkchester Road.
"The incident happened between 7pm on Saturday and 8.15am the following morning when a man forced entry to the club house by smashing a window and door.
"It is not believed anything has been stolen and enquiries are ongoing to trace those responsible for the break-in. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact police on 101 quoting log 282 09/06/19."
Walker Central was set up by club founder Brian Clark in 1988. Among the players who trained there were brothers Shola and Sammy Ameobi and Michael Richardson.
