Cymru legend and FAW Ambassador Danny Gabbidon joined the Cymru Football Foundation at Ponthir Sports and Community Club to officially open their new community space and refurbished changing rooms.
In partnership with UK Government, Welsh Government and Cricket Wales, the CFF have supported the refurbishment of existing changing facilities and creation of a brand-new community facility with a grant of just under £400k – our largest to date.
Ponthir Sports and Community Club offer facilities for football, cricket and boules – including three full-sized football pitches, a cricket green and four boules greens – with over 500 current members.
The development of the upgraded changing facilities and new community space will allow the club to become a hub for the local area – supporting members, families, and other community groups in a welcoming environment.
With over 130 female players, the new facilities will also provide a safe space for changing and socialising in line with our aim to double the number of women and girls participating in football across Wales.
Aled Lewis, Director at the Cymru Football Foundation said:
“The new facilities in Ponthir will be of huge benefit to the local community and we’re delighted that the Cymru Football Foundation is able to support a project of this magnitude.
“A huge thank you to our partners on this project. This is a perfect example of how collaboration can support communities across Wales.”
Jane Hutt MS, the Wlesh Governments Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Social Justice, Trefnydd and Chief Whip said:
“These new facilities will support not just the next generation of budding sports stars and those striving to keep fit, but also the wider community who will have access to them. I’m pleased funding from our Community Facilities Programme of £300,000 has helped this ambitious project become a reality.
“It is important that facilities are inclusive, accessible, and future proof so we can boost the numbers of women and girls taking part in a wide range of sports.”
Victoria Jones, Facilities Investment Manager at Cricket Wales said:
“The expansion of Ponthir Cricket Club into a sports and social hub will be a huge benefit for the local community and sports clubs. We have already seen a huge increase in the number of women and girls taking part in cricket across the whole of Wales and we know this project will help expand on this growth with the new hub and changing rooms that are fit-for-purpose and meet the needs of the game’s participants.”
The CFF supports the development of football through investment and guidance as it delivers the Football Association of Wales’ commitment to develop inspirational, fit-for-future football facilities that will improve and grow Welsh football both on and off the pitch.
To date, over £17 million has been invested thanks to support from UK Government, Welsh Government, Sport Wales, and the Football Association of Wales.
