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Storm wrecks non-league football club grounds

Sawbridgeworth Town FC A blurry photo of the front of Sawbridgeworth Town's club, with the roof blown off and resting on a broken wall. There are red barriers lyig on the floor, and you can see half a sign with the words "TOWN FC". The sky is very grey.Sawbridgeworth Town FC
Sawbridgeworth Town FC is appealing for help to get "back on our feet" after Storm Darragh wreaked havoc

Two non-league football clubs in Hertfordshire have appealed for help after suffering storm damage at their grounds.

Sawbridgeworth Town FC said its turnstiles had been destroyed and the stands and a supporting wall had been badly damaged.

"We are reaching out with heavy hearts," the club wrote, in a fundraising appeal asking people to help with "urgent repairs".

Meanwhile, Kings Langley FC said it suffered at least £10,000 worth of damage to its fencing.

"We've had other damage as well, the majority of which primarily affects the two youth pitches we have at the club," said a Kings Langley spokesperson, speaking to the BBC.

"In order to make it safe for our final youth games of the season, we are looking for some volunteers to help clear up on Tuesday."

The club plays in Division One Central of the Southern Football League, part of the National League system.

Storm Darragh brought wind speeds of up to 90mph (145km/h) in some parts of the UK over the weekend.

Kings Langley Football Club A concrete path running between two grass football pitches. On the right side, a fence has blown over and its stakes have come out of the ground. It lies flat on the grass, next to two white goals. A yellow bin is on its side in the distance and on the left side, a black metal fence stands firm. The ground is wet and the sky grey. Poplar trees are in the background. Kings Langley Football Club
Kings Langley Football Club said its fences suffered about £10,000 of damage

Sawbridgeworth Town said the supporting wall was "a key structure that ensures safety and stability", while the seating areas had been "heavily damaged, leaving fans without proper facilities".

They added that the turnstiles had been "rendered unusable".

"For over 100 years, this club has been a cornerstone of our community, providing a place for players, fans, and families to come together," a spokesperson said.

"Now, we're calling on our football family and friends to help us rebuild and restore what we've lost."

The club plays in the Premier Division of the Essex Senior Football League.

Sawbridgeworth Town FC The seating area at Sawbridgeworth Town, with part of the roof missing. You can see the metal beams bent out of shape and a corrugated roof on its side. There are red plastic seats without backs, on two rows - one behind the other. There is a bright red painted wall behind the seats. Te ground looks very wet.Sawbridgeworth Town FC
Sawbridgeworth Town said its seating areas had been "heavily damaged"

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