A local football club has been left ‘supremely’ devastated that a ‘pitch parking fiasco’ left their seconds side unable to fulfil their fixture on Saturday after the turf was left unplayable.

Saudersfoot AFC’s pitch situated behind the village’s Sports and Social Club was left ruined after spectactors in town to view the Triathlon event that morning, used the area to park their vehicles.

Comments on social media from people attending the Triathlon event have suggested that they were directed up to the pitch, something which the organisers Activity Wales have denied.

To rub more salt in the wounds, Saundersfoot seconds were forced to call off their match versus Lawrenny scheduled for later that day, meaning the club could now face a fine for not fulfiling the fixture.

“As a club at the heart of the community we are supremely disappointed that as a result of the Saundersfoot Triathlon, hosted by Activity Wales, our pitch was used as a car park and the subsequent damage has rendered it unplayable for the coming weeks,” said a spokesperson for Saundersfoot AFC.

“We have sought advice from local grounds maintenance experts as to the best way to repair it and we await their report on the damage, cost and timescale of the repair.

“We would like it noted that although our grounds may not have been allocated as official parking by event organisers, many people when leaving told us that the were instructed to park on the grounds.

“We had taken the usual measures to stop trespassing on the pitch, with a chain across the entrance and cones, rope and temporary fencing to cordon the pitch off, this was however not enough sadly and had been removed and driven over.

“We are all well aware of the limited parking in Saundersfoot during busy periods, and to host an event on one of the counties busiest weekends that actually takes away a good proportion of the limited parking spaces available has got to be seriously questioned.

“We as a club are big supporters of all events in the community, and many of our players have and will continue to take part in these events.

“What we would appreciate is some contact from organisers in how we can work together to help the running of these events so that everyone can enjoy them and not at the cost of one party to the other, using Tenby RFC and Ironman’s organisers working together to provide extra parking at Heywood lane as an example.

“These events should work with the community to benefit everyone.

“The problem was compounded with the inclement weather leading up to this weekend, had we been contacted we could have provided marshalls and coordinated parking on areas of the pitch that can stand traffic and we wouldn’t have the unfortunate situation where we are looking at a fine for being unable to play Saturday and who knows how long we may have to wait until it’s playable again!” they continued.

Following the matter and in response, the club have set up a crowd funding page to raise funds for the repair of the pitch, and the improvement of signage and fencing to stop this unfortunate incident happening again.

All proceeds from the page www.gofundme.com/SAFCrepair will go towards the improvement of the grounds and repair of the changing rooms which have been the target of vandals in recent years too.

Following the plea, the New Year’s Day Swim committee and the organisers of the TenFoot swim have reacted quickly, donating £200 towards the cause.

They hope that other organisations and businesses will also dig deep to help restore the pitch to its former glory.

Chris Williams said: “Both the TenFoot and New Year’s Day Swim are team efforts with all members across the community pulling together to make both events a success. Saundersfoot AFC in particular are great supporters of village events and we feel it totally fitting that we now support them.

“I have no doubt that the community will come together again and ensure that Saundersfoot AFC are back playing in the village as soon as possible,” he added.

“As a community club funded solely by the players we are humbled by the support of many people and local businesses,” added the spokesperson for Saundersfoot AFC.