AN arrest has been made after £10,000 “went missing” from Ellesmere Port’s Vauxhall Motors FC Under 10s team.

The money had been raised by parents and children to send a squad of 10 players to Barcelona for a tournament on Tuesday (April 9).

A man has since been arrested.

Parents and players had spent months raising money to send the squad to Spain over the Easter holidays to take part in the tournament only to find out days before the flight that the money had disappeared.

The money raised was meant to pay for the cost of travel, accommodation, and the entry fee.

A statement from the club read: “Vauxhall Motors FC is shocked and disappointed to hear the news relating to our Astra U10s team.

"We can confirm that the individual involved in organising this trip to Barcelona acted completely independently from the football club and did not consult with the club regarding the financial arrangements of the trip.

"This is extremely disappointing for those involved, especially after the efforts and fundraising the children and parents have gone to, to make this trip possible.

"We have encouraged those individuals involved to report this to the relevant authorities, and the club will look to support those affected.

"A GoFundMe page has been set up to try and raise the funds to make sure the trip happens. If you can donate, it will be very appreciated by all associated with the club.”

A spokesperson for Cheshire Police has since confirmed to the Globe that an arrest has been made.

A spokesperson said: “Following concerns raised regarding fundraising activities for a football trip abroad, a 38-year-old man from Ellesmere Port has been arrested on suspicion of theft.

“Victims are being supported by officers and enquiries in relation to the incident are underway.”

Since setting up a GoFundMe page, the club has raised more than £8,000 and managed to raise enough funds to get the boys back in the tournament.

In an update on the fundraising page, the club said: “All you amazing people so due to your amazing generosity we have managed to raise enough funds to get the boys back in the tournament.

"We can’t thank you all enough. We currently have half the team already out here in Salou the rest are due out tomorrow with the tournament to be played Wednesday/Thursday. Once again from the bottom of mine, the boys and every other parent thank you.”