A JUNIOR football club has been targeted for the third time in seven months.

Two offenders broke into the Radcliffe Borough Juniors FC clubhouse in Close Park during an overnight raid.

They smashed through two bolts and prised open the locked door to gain access before ransacking the club's small shop and changing rooms.

A CCTV still shows two hooded offenders, who appear to be in their late teens, wearing gloves as they rifle through the site.

Carol Nicholson, welfare officer, said: "It is so upsetting. It is just wrong. This cafe and clubhouse are run for the children and adults at our club and it is horrible to see it being ruined time and time again.

"They cut through two bolts then forced the door open. They went straight for the sweets and started filling their bags with drinks. They smashed the till up as well. We don't keep money in it but it is an inconvenience."

Owners have reported the raid, which was carried out shortly before midnight on Wednesday, July 17, to Greater Manchester Police.

It is thought the damage will cost upwards of £100.

The club was previously targeted in January and March this year. In January, thugs forced entry into the cafe, ransacked the kitchen area, stole a charity box and packs of bacon.

"We try not to focus on it", Mrs Nicholson said.

"Your initial instinct is to shut the place down and walk away but we are here for the children. We are trying to stop them from becoming like this — from breaking and entering."

Radcliffe Borough Juniors FC is a junior football team that was established in 1987. It has 26 teams, and is currently used by more than 300 children aged four to 17.

A new first-floor extension is proposed for the clubhouse as part of a major scheme being led by the Environment Agency and Bury Council to protect homes against flooding.

It is hoped the work will include the installation of a new CCTV system as well as improved security, including roller shutters on both floors.

Two companies have also offered to install shutters for the club.

Mrs Nicholson appealed for anyone who knows who these offenders are to come forward.

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.