Thrikkarippur: A group of youths from Karnataka joined hands with the local residents here to clear the weeds and shrubs that had overtaken the mini-stadium at the VPP Muhammad Kunji Patelar Memorial Government Vocational Higher Secondary School.

The cleaning drive was organised by the Sunday Club and Morning FC, teams led by former football players of Thrikkarippur. The visiting youths from Karnataka, who frequently use the stadium for cricket, also pitched in to help restore the grounds.

The initiative comes amid growing local frustration over the unchecked growth of weeds and shrubs, which had been disrupting football training, as well as the persistent dumping of waste in the area. Despite repeated complaints,  the authorities concerned  had been slow to address either the waste disposal issue or the maintenance of the playing field.

Concerned about the hazards posed to young athletes, local sportspersons took the matter into their own hands, stepping forward to clean and restore the stadium.