Football facilities at Bryntirion Comprehensive School have undergone a huge renovation thanks to funding from the Cymru Football Foundation, Welsh Government (Sport Wales & Community Focused Schools Fund) and Bridgend County Borough Council.
The six-figure investment has transformed the school’s previously worn artificial pitch into a modern facility that support curriculum activity and wider grassroots community sport.
The completion of the project sees the total invested into Bridgend by the CFF top £800,000 since 2022.
Beyond the structural improvements, the new facility also carries deep cultural significance. A mural honouring Bridgend-born, former Cymru internationals Laura McAllister and Gwennan Harries also features.
The artwork serves as a tribute to their contribution to Welsh football and an inspiration to young players using the new facility, linking to the area’s proud local heritage.
Aled Lewis, Director at the Cymru Football Foundation said:
“The new facilities at Bryntirion encapsulate what the CFF is about – investing in high-quality facilities in communities across Cymru that need them most.
“A huge thank you to UK Government, the Football Association of Wales and the Premier League for their continued support – together we’re working to improve Welsh football on and off the pitch.”
Cllr Eugene Caparros, Cabinet Member for Communities and Environment, said:
“This is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when partners come together with a shared ambition to invest in our communities and in the future of young people across the county borough.
“By transforming the artificial sports pitch at Bryntirion Comprehensive School, we are not only improving opportunities for pupils to be active and enjoy sport as part of their education but also creating a high-quality community facility that can be used by local residents, grassroots teams and sports clubs for years to come.
“We would like to thank the Cymru Football Foundation, Sport Wales and the Welsh Government for working closely with our Community Asset Transfer team and supporting us in helping to bring communities together and encourage people of all ages to stay active.”
Minister for Sport, Stephanie Peacock MP said:
“As a Government, we are absolutely committed to making sure that people all over the UK can enjoy the physical, mental and social benefits of sport and physical activity.
“That’s why we’re investing more than £400 million to build and upgrade grassroots facilities in areas across the UK that need them most.
“This £400,000 investment will help inspire the pupils at Bryntirion and serve the local area so that local people have a high-quality place to play and get active in the heart of the community.”
Since 2022, the Cymru Football Foundation has invested over £25million into high-quality football facilities across the country.
The CFF supports development of football through investment and guidance as we deliver on the Football Association of Wales’ commitment to develop inspirational fit-for-future football facilities across the country.
