United Welsh and M&J Cosgrove replace stolen equipment after £4,000 break-in at Aber Valley FC
A HOUSING organisation has teamed up with a South Wales housebuilder to support a community football club after thieves made off with around £4,000 worth of vital equipment.
United Welsh has joined forces with M&J Cosgrove to help Aber Valley FC recover after a break-in at the club’s Welfare Park ground in Abertridwr.
The thieves targeted a storage container used by the club to store equipment and sell refreshments on matchdays – an important source of income for the volunteer-run club.
Aber Valley FC supports teams ranging from under-5s right through to veterans, with around 400 children taking part in its junior section.
United Welsh, which has previously supported the club’s foodbank appeal, responded after an appeal was made for help and brought M&J Cosgrove on board to assist.
The housing association donated £500 to replace stolen stock and food items, while M&J Cosgrove stepped in to replace a power generator along with a tea urn, slow cooker, medical box, ball pump and 10 footballs.
Chairman Peter Radzimierski said the support had made a huge difference.
He said: “United Welsh and M&J Cosgrove have been unbelievable.
“I’ve been with the club the best part of 44 years, and when I came down here and the container had been broken into, it was heartbreaking.
“But now M&J Cosgrove and United Welsh have helped out, it’s rejuvenated me and it makes me think there’s a reason to go on.
“When you’ve got companies like this who are willing to help out, it means we can carry on supporting the community and helping the little ones coming through.”
M&J Cosgrove is now also in discussions with the club about potential building work to improve the shelter at the ground.
Jamie Caveill, Operations Director at M&J Cosgrove, said the firm was keen to step in after hearing what had happened.
He said: “We were saddened to hear about the recent break-in at Aber Valley FC, so when United Welsh reached out to us to see if we could help, we were more than willing to.
“The club does such a lot for the kids and the community, so if there is any way we can help out we will.
“We know how important places like this are for the community.”
Helen Greenway, Community Benefits Co-ordinator at United Welsh, said the club plays a key role for local families.
She said: “Aber Valley FC supports hundreds of children in the community, including many of our young residents, so when we heard about the recent theft we wanted to do everything possible to help.
“Working with M&J Cosgrove we have been able to replace the items stolen, which will allow the club to use the storage container to sell refreshments during matchdays and provide a vital source of income.
“We will continue to work closely with the club and its volunteers who play a vital role in our communities.”
