The chairman of Orpington FC says the children’s club "won’t be fazed" and will continue serving the community despite losing thousands of pounds after a break-in.

A team of burglars are believed to have "ransacked" the pavilion in Goddington Park and stole anything they could get their hands on – including team trophies.

The club is celebrating its 80th anniversary and the damaged facilities and stolen equipment represents a huge setback.

READ ALSO: Children’s football team devastated after facilities are 'ransacked' in Orpington

Richard Kettle has been chairman for 18 months and has been involved with the club for 10 years.

A Facebook message on Thursday, July 11, morning informed him of the cruel break-in.

"The initial reaction was shock and disgust," Richard told News Shopper. "It’s just sad really."

The chairman said it wasn’t a "chance" theft and said burglars smashed through every single door after destroying the fence.

Callous thieves also stole a tractor which was attached to a concrete steel post.

"The community is disgusted," Richard said. "Over 10,000 people have seen what we wrote.

"People have offered over money and I’ve had to hand cash back. We don’t want to profit from what we have lost, and we don’t want to take money off people until we know more."

Richard said the response from people in Orpington has been overwhelming.

He described it as "amazing" and said it was a rewarding feeling after the club's relentless work to become a valuable service in Orpington.

"We want to say thank you to everyone," Richard added. "There’s been an outpouring of support and it means a lot. We want to be a big part of the community so it’s a fantastic feeling."

Richard insisted it is now business as usual despite the clubhouse no longer being safe for children.

Orpington FC is going ahead with its annual registration day on Saturday and will complete the admin work outside on the grass.

Up to 400 people play for Orpington FC’s teams, including players with special needs.

"I don’t want people to think this has broken us," Richard said. "We are going ahead with the registration day and won’t be fazed or broken.

"We will continue to serve the community."

Among the list of stolen items included trophies, new gazebos worth over a thousand pounds each, a printer, PA system, a tractor and a lawn mower.

Police say they were called just before 6am yesterday and that entrance was gained after the front door was forced open.

A statement added: "An untidy search was carried out inside and several items have been reported stolen.

"No arrests have been made."

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 quoting CAD 1290/11JUL or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.