Fans and families are being urged to “dig deep” and raise cash to rebuild the Community Corner at Southend United’s Roots Hall stadium after it was hit by suspected arson attack.

Essex and Southend Sports Trust have agreed to match donations made by the public up to the sum of £25,000 (including Gift Aid).

The cash injection will help re-build Community Corner after a fire was started in a pile of artificial turf that was stored there.

Southend United Community and Educational Trust had worked hard before and during the pandemic to build a facility that was set to be used seven days a week as a community facility.

Close to £100,000 had been spent on the area of the car park which suffered severe fire damage earlier this month.

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The money had been used for levelling off and relaying foundations, painting and treating fences, and gym and electrical equipment.

The trust had already launched seven initiatives in the now-ruined area including gym sessions, traineeships and schemes to tackle loneliness and mental health issues.

They hope to raise at least £50,000 to enable the necessary repairs to take place after ambitious plans have gone up in flames.

Peter Butler, chairman of Essex and Southend Sports Trust said: “We recognise the work Southend United Community and Educational Trust do and how they are a major community asset.

“I implore people to dig deep and support the organization in their hour of need.”

The trust’s generous proposal covers all funds raised on the Community Corner Re-build JustGiving page by June 30.

You can donate to the Community Corner re-build JustGiving page by visiting www.justgiving.com/campaign/community-corner-re-build