Opened by Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens, the CFF – backed by UK Government – has invested just over £362,000 into the creation of a brand-new small-sided 3G facility, alongside additional support from Sport Wales and the club’s fundraising efforts.
Previously a disused piece of grassland, Trefelin’s new facility provides a home for their 200+ junior male and female players who were having training sessions cancelled due to the poor weather or travelling elsewhere to train and play.
This investment will now see regular training sessions return all year round and allow the club to re-invest the funds they were previously spending on alternative training locations. In turn, this will support the club to become stronger, more sustainable and community-focused, whilst also attracting new female players – key priorities for the CFF.
The new facility will also act as a hub for junior football across Neath Port Talbot and provide a significant boost to grassroots football in the local area.
Speaking at the opening of the facility, Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens said:
“Grassroots sport is at the heart of communities throughout Wales, providing opportunities for children and adults and also bringing significant health and social benefits.
“The UK Government is proud to invest in facilities like Trefelin’s new pitch that will help the club continue its fantastic work in the local area, develop the next generation of young players and inspire the next chapter in Welsh Football’s success story.”
President at Trefelin BGC, Steve Green said:
“Our new facility will allow our male and female players of all ages to train no matter the weather and will provide an important hub for our junior football teams.
“This investment will not only support Trefelin BGC but also the wider community in Port Talbot to be more active, becoming physically and mentally healthier.”
Director at the Cymru Football Foundation, Aled Lewis said:
“The Cymru Football Foundation is committed to investing in facilities that inspire communities. This new 3G facility at Trefelin BGC will enable more players to play, improve the experiences of current players and enable the club to provide a wide range of activities for their community.
“A huge thank you to our partners, UK Government, and Sport Wales and the Local Authority in supporting the development of such a high-quality facility.
“Thanks to the support of our partners, we’re making huge strides in improving football facilities in Wales on and off the pitch.”
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.
Since February 2022, the CFF has invested over £17 million into supporting fit-for-future facilities across the country.
