Two more schools to get new 3G sports pitch
TWO secondary schools in Rhondda Cynon Taff are set to be given new allweather 3G sports pitches.
Pupils and the local community surrounding Bryn Celynnog Comprehensive School in Beddau and Ysgol Gyfun Rhydywaun in the Cynon Valley will be in for the new facilities if the council agrees to additional funding.
It’s set to be discussed by the cabinet on Thursday, with councillors recommended to approve the plans, which would mean an investment of £950,000 in total – £650,000 plus a £300,000 contribution from the education budget.
The council says both schools need more outdoor sports pitches, and that the plans would cater to the local authority’s “21st Century teaching and learning needs”, as well as providing a community resource for local residents.
It follows the recent announcement that three further pitches will be built at Abercynon Sports Centre, Garth Olwg Lifelong Learning Centre in Church Village and at Ferndale Community School. All three of those projects are expected to be completed by the end of 2018.
Councillor Ann Crimmings, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s cabinet member for environment and leisure, said: “The council is committed to providing outdoor, allweather sports pitches across the county borough, to improve the health and well-being of residents and to ensure sports teams can continue to play outdoors during periods of bad weather.
“Cabinet will consider an additional investment of £650,000, contributing to two new 3G pitches at Bryncelynnog and Rhydywaun schools.
“Residents are now enjoying new facilities at Pentre, Mountain Ash and Graig thanks to significant previous investment by the Council, which also part-funded the new 3G pitch at Sardis Road in Pontypridd. New 3G pitches have also been delivered as part of the wider 21st Century Schools projects in Tonyrefail and Tonypandy.
“These pitches – which deliver on a commitment made to sports clubs – are already making a huge difference to local sports players, who know they can continue to enjoy outdoor sports, whatever the weather.”
Responding to the news about Bryn Celynnog, Mick Antoniw, AM for Pontypridd, said: “This is great news for Beddau and Tynant and a further significant investment in Bryn Celynnog High School, where students will have access to a first class all-weather sporting facility.
“I know from my work with local councillors, Beddau rugby club and other local groups that there is a huge appetite for this type of facility and this announcement potentially means that access can be widened to include a range of community groups including those involved in women’s and disabled sports.”