The Mitcham and Carshalton Rugby Club has existed for more than 80 years, but following a summer of break-ins it is now at risk of folding.

The club had been on the up and up recently after planning permission was granted for a new "state of the art facility."

Current first grade player Keir Waller has been at the club since he was 11 and says the hope is to turn the club into a place the community could socialise away from rugby.

"The plans would have the ability the turn the club not only from a Surrey 4 club to a major player in the local area but also a social hub for the entire community," he said.

"There will be room for a venue/bar area which could accommodate over 100 people as well as an indoor gym and training facilities."

But a half-dozen break-ins have left the club needing thousands of pounds worth of repairs.

"The damage to the roof has meant that water is able to get into the clubhouse, posing a risk to the electrics, general damage and yet another cost to a club that's struggling for money," Mr Waller said.

"We were victim of an arson attack a few years ago which damaged electrics.

"The results of a damaged clubhouse have affected the number of new members, which has seen a decline as a result over the past few years.

"There are a plethora of clubs in the area and if you see one which is damaged and looking slightly dishevelled, you're likely to try another one."

But they are not about to give up.

A Gofundme page has been set up in the hope of bringing life back into a club that has meant so much to so many for so long.

"My aim with the Save Mitcham Rugby campaign is to restore the club to it's former glory and not only for the damage sustained in recent vandalism attempts," Mr Waller said.

"I've personally played for Mitcham since I was 11, playing in the under 12s, and now play at the senior level.

"That's how much this club means to me and so many other players at this club."

You can visit the fundraising page here.