SOCCER hooliganism thankfully hasn't spread to the amateur game.

But the game at grass roots level still sometimes suffers some hefty kicks below the belt from senseless yobs.

Atherton Collieries Football Club was founded in 1916 by local miners in the midst of First World War hostilities.

And over the last 85 years the club has celebrated many successes and endured disappointments.

Nowadays it isn't what's happening on the playing field which causes most concern -- it's what goes on when night falls at Alder House when thieves go about their dirty business.

Do-gooders will no doubt say the perpetrators of a series of burglaries and raids on the Colls' clubhouse are bored teenagers with nothing else to do.

Well, if they feel so deprived of interesting activity maybe the thieves could change their ways and go along to the Alder House ground during normal opening hours and put their energy to better use.

By continuing their petty raids on an organisation with a long and esteemed history they are tarnishing the image of local teenagers.

Recent events at Hindley cemetery and at Chowbent school have shown up a small section in a poor light. More own goals are not needed.