The need for a new brick-built clubhouse has become even more urgent for the Caterham Pumas youth football club following a recent break-in at their existing pre-fabricated hut on Coulsdon Common. Members of the club were alerted to the attack on the hut last Saturday, 17th July and arrived to find a wall smashed in and the contents of the hut trashed causing hundreds of pounds worth of damage. Storage cupboards and the club's television were smashed and some of the trophies and football kits were stolen.

Kevin Arney, manager of the Pumas Under 13s team said: "The thieves threw our trophies all over the floor and some were even found on the other side of the field. There is nothing valuable to steal here. I don't know what they expect to do with the kits because they all have the words 'Caterham Pumas' on them."

The hut has been targeted by thieves and vandals on several occasions since it was built in 2003 and the club members have been working hard to raise fund for a new, more secure hut and it is hoped that building work on the new hut will commence very soon.

Anyone with any information about the break-in which occurred some time between Monday 12th and Saturday 17th July is asked to contact the Metropolitan Police on 0300 123 1212.

The Caterham Pumas competes in the Epsom and Ewell football league and has over 12 teams spanning nine age groups. The club is currently recruiting new members for the next season. For more information visit www.caterhampumas.co.uk or call Rhain Thomas on 01883 349101.