Cymru Manager Rob Page visited Ferndale in the Rhondda to officially open new facilities funded by the Cymru Football Foundation.
Through the Cymru Football Foundation’s Fit-For-Future Facilities fund, the charitable arm of the FAW – with support from UK Government and in collaboration with Rhondda Cynon Taff Council – have upgraded the playing surface at the site in Darran Park, a facility that Page used himself during his childhood.
Prior to the £170,000 investment from the CFF, the playing surface at Darran Park had fallen below the standard needed to support local football. With a rich history of supporting grassroots football in the area, the new surface will boost participation and benefit local schools and recreational activities.
Shown around the new facility and meeting more than two hundred local school children, Page was given an insight into how the upgraded playing surface will be of huge benefit to the Ferndale community and have a positive impact on levels of participation, particularly with girls and young women.
Speaking at the event, Page said:
“It’s really special for me personally – I used to have my P.E lessons on this pitch. It’s a great investment, an absolutely game-changer for the Rhondda Cynon Taff area and there are a lot of people that are going to benefit from this facility.”
Councillor Ann Cummings, Cabinet Member for Environment and Leisure at RCT Council said:
“I’d like to thank the Cymru Football Foundation for their continued support, having worked very closely with the Council not only on the Darran Park upgrade, but also on our previous project at Baglan Field in Penyrenglyn. The CFF does invaluable work in our communities, by working closely with local clubs and schools to develop participation opportunities for everyone.”
The CFF supports the development of football through investment and guidance as it delivers the FAW’s commitment to develop inspirational fit-for-future football facilities that will improve and grow Welsh football both on and off the pitch.
The CFF’s Fit-for-Future Facilities funding is available for clubs, local authorities, and charitable organisations to access now – find out more about the CFF by clicking here.
