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Members of a Leeds community football club have been left devastated after callous burglars broke into a storage unit and stole over £5,000 worth of kit and equipment.

Leeds Hyde Park FC have launched an urgent fundraising appeal after their plans for the new season have been thrown into disarray.

Police are investigating after the club's storage unit in Headingley, which contained kit worn by 15 junior teams and four adult teams, was burgled on Sunday afternoon (May 30)

Other equipment including goals, footballs, bibs and training equipment was also taken during the break-in.

Leeds Hyde Park FC have launched a fundraising appeal after burglars stole £5,000 worth of the club's kit and equipment.

Club founder Adel Chermiti said: "It is heartbreaking that anyone could be so selfish.

"They have taken about 80 per cent of everything we had. They have only left the second hand stuff behind.

"We are all devastated right now. This has happened just as we are coming out of lockdown and everyone was looking forward to playing again.

"The club is at the heart of the community. We sacrifice a lot of time to better the community.

Adel Chermiti with youngsters from Leeds Hyde Park FC

"During lockdown we handed out food parcels to families. We also provide students and locals with a safe, friendly environment to play the game that they love."

Leeds Hyde Park FC inspires student's pledge to run a mile for every £25 donated

Leeds Hyde Park FC run 15 junior teams between the ages of five and 16 years of age as well as two men's teams and two women's teams.

The club has set up a GoFundMe page in the hope of raising the money required to replace the stolen equipment.

Burglars took £5,000 worth of equipment belonging to Hyde Park FC during a break-in at the club's storage unit.

Mr Chermiti said the club is also appealing to any local businesses who may able to support youngsters.

He added: "We established the club four years ago because there was a real need to help young people in the LS6 area and provide them with structured activities.

"Our ethos is that we never turn anyone away and will always provide access for young people to play in a safe environment.

"We really need to raise this money by September in time for the new football season. Any help or support given will be gratefully received by everyone at the club."

Leeds Hyde Park FC founder Adel Chermiti said members and volunteers of the club have been left devastated by the theft of £5,000 worth of equipment.

The Yorkshire Evening Post reported last week how student Alex Lewis is preparing for a marathon fundraiser in support of Leeds Hyde Park FC.

Alex, 25, will run as many as 30 laps of Woodhouse Moor in Hyde Park on June 5 after pledging to run a mile for every £25 donated towards his £750 target.

Leeds Hyde Park FC launch urgent fundraising appeal after heartless burglars stole £5,000 worth of children's kit and equipment during break-in