An emergency repair fund has been set up for century-old Didsbury Sports Ground (DSG) after it was left devasted by floods.
Water poured throughout the clubhouse, destroying playing fields and causing catastrophic damage at the ground, which is home to Didsbury TocH Rugby Club, Didsbury football Club, Park Run and many other community sports and events.
The club has launched its Repair & Rescue fund to help rebuild the foundations of this Didsbury landmark, which is expected to cost tens of thousands of pounds in remedial works, after the worst possible start to 2025.
Since New Year’s Day, the ground has taken an unprecedented hit. The River Mersey burst its banks, sending floodwaters into the surrounding areas, with the Didsbury flood basin filling to unprecedented levels overnight – over a meter higher than previous years (the last being in 2022).
Significant structural damage to the Sports Club’s changing room block, storage areas and the clubhouse was caused and the impact on the playing fields, grounds and car park has been devastating.
Now volunteers of DSG and associated sports clubs have been left to deal with the fallout, which has been left in jeopardy after the rapid rise of the river levels.
The direct impact of flooding is an uninsurable risk and it falls on the generosity of the clubs membership and charity arm (DPFA) to raise funds to secure the future of the sports ground.
Ian Bailey, director of DSG said: “The devastation caused by the flooding is nothing short of heart-wrenching. The ground has been a landmark and local hub within the village for over a century. The damage is catastrophic and the impact to the community is immense.
“Our ground is far more than just a sports facility, it is a place where people connect, grow, and thrive, and embrace the community spirit. To lose such an iconic and central community resource would be unthinkable and such a travesty, which is why we’re calling on local and central government support.”
Every week, DSG brings together over 800 people from the local area for sports, fitness, social activities, recreation and community events, creating a place for well-being, a fantastic social circle and helping to build an all-round happier and healthier community.
DSG now face the daunting challenge of cleaning up and repairing the damage. The aim is to raise £50,000, which will go towards the clean-up operation. Every contribution, no matter how large or small, will make a real difference in getting the sports ground back to a usable state.
Ian added: “We are so grateful for the immediate help of our volunteers and the fantastic people at this club. Once the water recedes, we will however need more than time, we will require the funds to bring the ground and clubhouse back into full use and to safeguard from future flooding. Every contribution will make a huge difference.”
