Reading YMCA FC launches fundraiser after ‘devastating’ pitch vandalism

Reading YMCA is halfway to its fundraising total following devastating vandalism at the club’s ‘Cauldron’ grounds.

A large number of field fences and the football field itself were damaged, including one of the goals on Monday 24 November 2025.

The club are currently playing away in the hope that the damage will be repaired in time for the New Year’s return to the Padworth Village Hall site.

The club’s volunteers have received support from league officials who are in favor of rearranging the fixtures, as well as all those who have contributed donations, which at the time of writing had reached £855 of the £1,400 target.

In 2024, the club was the winner of the Matchday Experience award at the Berkshire Football Awards.

A statement issued by the Reading YMCA at the end of last month read:

On Monday, November 24, our soccer field and adjacent fence were the target of severe vandalism. This action resulted in extensive damage to the fence, playing surface and one of the goals. The person responsible for this incident was identified at the scene, and a criminal investigation is currently underway. We will not be providing any further comment regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident.

As a volunteer-led team, we put a lot of time, effort and resources into creating and maintaining what we believe is one of the best promotions at our level in the field. Of course we are very saddened by this setback. The resulting damage not only destroyed the playing surface but also presented a significant financial challenge for the club, as we are now faced with the costs and logistics of carrying out the necessary repairs.

We are currently working with the league to discuss our upcoming home games while we carry out the necessary work to return the pitch to an appropriate playing standard.

Despite this unfortunate incident, we are determined to restore the play area and fence. Our aim is to return The Cauldron to its original condition and be ready for play in the New Year.

A GoFundMe page has been created for anyone who would like to help with costs associated with repairs.