A youth football club has been left with a bill for thousands of pounds after arsonists torched its pavilion.

A gang of about ten youngsters in hooded tops are believed to have used a bottle of fuel as they set fire to the building in Horsdean Recreation Ground, Brighton, at about 8.15pm on Tuesday.

Patcham United, which has up to 150 youngsters training on Saturdays, will have to find up to £6,000 to repair the damage.

Nick Poyner, chairman of the club, said: “It makes me more determined to invest more hours and make it a success if truth be told.

“The sad thing is most of those responsible probably played football here at some point. They are just damaging it for the whole community.

“It’s very frustrating and annoying but will not stop us doing what we’re doing.”

A spokesman for Sussex Police said officers were called by fire crews at about 8.15pm. The fire left the kitchen area damaged while the rest of the building was filled with smoke.

The blaze was extinguished within about 15 minutes and forensic teams are now involved.

Police said investigators were looking for a group of about ten youths who were seen running off in the direction of Vale Avenue.

Mr Poyner said the repairs will include replacing stock, repairing the front of the building and refurbishing the kitchen units.

He added: “Antisocial behaviour is an ongoing problem. It follows on from an unorganised firework display last weekend where stakes where left in the ground.

“There’s also a large drug problem and I have to spend every Saturday morning picking up plastic packets and other debris from the previous night.”

Anyone with information is asked to call 101, email contact.centre@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Anyone who wants to help the club can email patchamfcchair@live.co.uk.