Community Football Club Devastated by Repeated Copper Thefts
A Newcastle community football club has been left high and dry after brazen thieves targeted their facilities twice in one week, stealing essential copper piping and cutting off the water supply.
Double Blow for Minmi Football Club
Minmi Football Club secretary Kannon Ford expressed profound disappointment after discovering that copper piping had been stolen from underneath the club's sheds on Woodford Street last week. The situation worsened when, just days later, vandals broke through a newly installed lock to steal even more piping.
"It's not something we have experienced before and I would never think to do that," Mr Ford said. "I think the best word for it is just disappointing. I don't understand why people would want to target an asset for the community."
Training Disrupted by Water Crisis
The thefts came to light when players arrived for training on Thursday afternoon and discovered they couldn't fill their water bottles. Upon investigation, they found the water meter had been turned off and approximately 10 to 15 metres of copper piping had been removed from beneath the clubhouse.
The missing piping has left the club without running water for:
- Showers and toilet facilities
- Filling water bottles for players
- Irrigating the playing field
This disruption affects not only players but also spectators who rely on the club's facilities during games and events.
Community Spirit Prevails Amid Challenges
Despite the setbacks, the club's tight-knit community has rallied together. A club member who happens to be a plumber managed to temporarily restore water service after the first incident. However, this temporary fix was undone when thieves returned to break the new lock and steal additional piping.
"We are a community-based club, we have a small, tight-knit community around us," Mr Ford explained. "This is something we will get through, but it's just annoying."
Wider Pattern of Copper Theft in Hunter Region
The incidents at Minmi Football Club reflect a broader pattern of copper theft causing problems across the Hunter region. These crimes have previously resulted in:
- Power outages affecting residential areas
- Train delays disrupting public transport
- Various other community impacts
The club has reported both incidents to the City of Newcastle, which maintains the grounds and facilities, and to NSW Police. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers.
Despite these challenges, Minmi Football Club remains determined to forge ahead with their 2026 season, with registrations currently open for players wanting to join the resilient community club.
