A football team left homeless and facing closure after becoming the victims of a Mitcham drug dealer has been rescued by the community.

The office housing Mitcham Pearl FC was shut by the authorities, then broken into and ransacked, after the unit next door began operating as a drug den.

But thanks to the police, community leaders and the local football community the club has found a new home - and three of its players have even attracted the interest of the semi professional side Tooting and Mitcham FC.

This week club captain Bruce Magala Ffekamatte thanked the politicians and police officers who helped save the struggling club.

Morden and District League side Mitcham Pearl, who also run a thriving social club that offers training and support in the local community, had rented space in an office unit on Upper Green East since it was founded three years ago.

Mr Magala Ffekamatte said club members had renovated and furnished the office themselves, with volunteers giving their time and donating items.

But in April this year convicted dealer Anthony Christian moved into the unit next door and the building became a centre for drug taking, attracting the interest of the police.

When the building’s landlord was found to be in breach of planning laws, it was shut down and Mitcham Pearl were left homeless.

The club later discovered its offices had been broken into and property stolen - leaving the side facing a bleak future.

But MP Siobhain McDonagh and officers from Merton police put the club in touch with Tooting and Mitcham FC, who agreed to become affiliated with the amateur side.

And last month, in a friendly match held to mark the new partnership, three Mitcham Pearl players impressed the opposition enough to be invited for trials.

Steve Adkins, chairman of Tooting and Mitcham, said his side had been impressed by the attitude of their new partners on and off the pitch, and were keen to forge a strong link with Mitcham Pearl.

“They are not only a very good team but they have got a big community around the club,” he said.

The amateur side has also found new temporary office space at Mitcham community centre - Immanuel House - in Western Road.

• Anthony Christian, pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis on June 9 and was fined £270 at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court after a 2oz block of the drug was discovered in his freezer.

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