The football team that hasn't been able to finish a full season for 25 years because nobody will fix their flooded pitch

Just over 25 years ago, Thornhill Athletic FC moved into their home playing fields on Glenmount Way, Thornhill , in the north of Cardiff.

The facilities were created by Persimmon Homes as part of a nearby housing estate they were building.

But within two years of using the field, the club started to experience issues with severe flooding on their two pitches, forcing them to play their home games elsewhere.

Since then, the club which is made up of 20 boys and girls teams from ages six to 16, has been unable to play all of its home games at the ground.

Although the teams begin their seasons at home every September, they are soon moved by their leagues when there is a bout of bad weather because the drainage system is unable to cope.

Club president Dennis Moss said: "During the season we have to be moved from pillar to post to wherever the league could fit us."

This is a particular issue for the club's senior side, who pay a fee of £120 per game to use Cardiff University fields in Llanrumney, rather than the £44 fee for using their home ground.

Dennis would like the club to have an option of a Welsh League team but cannot do so as the facilities are not up to standard.

"I would like to know that even when I'm not here, the club will still be going for a hundred years, that will be the legacy. It's a legacy for Thornhill," he said.

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In 2016 it was announced the club would benefit from a new drainage system as part of a UEFA Champions League Legacy Fund.

However, the work is yet to go ahead due to a conflict between Cardiff Council and Persimmon Homes, who are still responsible for the pitches and adjacent Parklands housing estate.

At the time, it was estimated that it would cost £220,000 to fix the problems, which is far greater than the £65,000 set aside by the council.

Dennis is worried that the funds have now got lost in the system.

A spokesperson for Persimmon Homes East Wales said they were only made aware of the issue in October 2018.

Cardiff Council cabinet member for culture and leisure, Peter Bradbury said the council are now committed to working with Persimmon Homes to resolve the drainage issue.

"I hope we can sort this for the team so they can get back to playing football," said Cllr Bradbury.