SCORES of young footballers in Exeter have been left devastated following the cancellation of weekend football fixtures after travellers broke in to set up camp on playing fields.
Around 20 caravans forced entry to Hamlin Lane playing fields this morning. Exeter City Council say legal proceedings to take back possession of the land has begun but a court order to evict the travellers, will not come before the start of next week.
Subsequently, the city council and police have advised that all football due to take place on the pitches on Saturday and Sunday needs to be cancelled.
It was due to be the first game of the new season for many teams.
For the last two years Stoke Hill AFC has self-managed the site on a 25-year lease from Exeter City Council.
The pitches are rented out by several other clubs throughout the local area. The clubs that were due to play on Saturday were Stoke Hill AFC, Pinhoe Spartans, Cullompton Rangers, Whipton and Pinhoe Heavitree FC and Wellington Town.
Sunday's games that have been called off affect teams including Exe Utd, Green Gables FC, Whipton and Pinhoe FC, Polonia Torbay, Kentisbeare Colts, Wonford Inn and Henry's Cronies FC.
Stoke Hill AFC club chairman Paul Howe said: "We have been advised by the council and the police that we need to cancel all Saturday youth football, all Saturday Fresha League football and all Sunday League football. I am just going through the rounds trying to call everybody now.
"It is ironic that is the day before the season starts. Hamlin Lane was looking brilliant and the grass was cut beautifully. The travellers' have cut through a barrier and enforced entry, which means tomorrow circa 60-70 youth footballers, aged between 10-16 won't be able to play football. All the Saturday and Sunday afternoon adults' games are off as well.
"We were all ready to go. All boys were buzzing and raring to go. Hopefully it will only be pushed back a week – but this is a massive inconvenience.
"This has really upset me – why do they have to do it on the Friday before the season starts."
"The council needs a court order to evict them, which they can't get before the weekend. That means the travellers will stay on site – damaging our pitches.
"It is a real shame for all the players – and a real inconvenience for us."
A spokesman for Exeter City Council said: "We can confirm that this afternoon we have commenced legal action to take back possession of land at Hamlin Lane playing fields.
"Travellers - consisting of a number of caravans and associated vehicles - moved onto the site earlier in the day.
"All football matches scheduled for this weekend at Hamlin Lane playing fields have regrettably had to be cancelled."
Police have also been alerted and have attended the site.
