Cymru Internationals Ella Powell and Tom Lockyer recently returned to their hometown to visit their former secondary school’s 3G surface – refurbished by the Cymru Football Foundation with support from U.K Government and Cardiff Council.
Pupils at Radyr Comprehensive, both Powell and Lockyer have been recognised with a mural having played and trained at the facility during their grassroots days.
Beginning their careers at Radyr Rangers, Lockyer has gone on to achieve over 400 senior appearances, making his Cymru debut in 2017 whilst Powell has made over 70 appearances for WSL2 side Bristol City and earned 14 caps for Cymru since her debut in 2018.
Currently celebrating their 25-year anniversary, the refurbished 3G has allowed the club to introduce a number of girls teams from U7s to U15s – with over 50 new players registered this season bring their overall junior player base to over 300.
Speaking at the visit, Powell said:
“It’s amazing to see how much investment is going in at grassroots level. Seeing the girls running around and playing today makes me so happy because it’s come on leaps and bounds since I was playing here.
“I honestly never expected to have a mural here and I’m so grateful. I’m hoping that I can inspire the girls that are here today and all of the girls from the area who have dreams to play for Wales. It was a dream for me and I’m lucky enough to be living that dream.”
Seeing the facility for the first time, Lockyer said:
“Growing up we didn’t have the facilities that we have here today. It allows the kids to train and stay active in all weather conditions which is absolutely brilliant.
“If 10-year-old me could see me in front of this mural now he would be so proud of the journey I’ve been on to get to this position. It started where these kids are playing today so if it can help inspire them in any way it’ll be fantastic.
“It’s great that the CFF are able to recognise Ella and I in Radyr. The Foundation are doing some fantastic work in the community which I’ve heard about for a long time but to finally come down and see one of their projects in person is really special. It’s great for the future of Welsh football and long may it continue.”
The refurbished facility in Radyr is one of 20 new or upgraded full-size 3Gs invested in by the CFF – with further investment already planned for several sites across Wales.
Since February 2022, the CFF has invested over £20 million into supporting fit-for-future facilities across the country.
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