Vandals have wrecked a changing room and escaped with kit and up to 60 training balls at a girls' football club.

But the youngsters at Farsley Celtic AFC have vowed: "We won't be beaten."

Now they are desperately trying to battle on in a bid to be in top form for the start of the season next month.

One of their managers, Mick Metcalfe, said: "This is a cruel disaster at such a crucial time. We are all gearing up for the start of the a new season and now we find that training kit, balls and playing shirts are needed.

"On top of that, we don't have a changing room any more."

The girls' teams, built up over the past four years, must now change in the boys' facilities or the main team's changing room - if they are available.

Otherwise they must change in cars or go home in muddy kit.

The younger teams must also play in boys' kits in the meantime.

Yobs smashed the boards on the windows at the changing room at Throstle Nest, on Newlands, and broke in.

They then wrecked the inside and escaped with the kits and balls.

Mr Metcalfe added: "We have built the girls' side up from around eight members to 80 so this is very upsetting for all of us - especially any new players who come here and see what's happened.

"A lot of hard work has gone into building up the girls' game. I don't know why they do these things - if they are jealous or bored or can't play football. It is very annoying.

"We shall cope as best we can. They won't beat us."

The club has six teams ranging from the under-tens to over-17s.

Worst affected are the under-17s who have been left with no strip at all.

It is estimated to cost £500 to replace it complete with badge and numbers.

The club has recently supplied two players for trials for the England under-19 squad and has four representatives in the Yorkshire county side. In the last two seasons they have won 25 trophies Farsley Celtic players Jackie Womersley, Julie Womersley and Ellen Priestley are pictured in the vandalised changing room.