Welshpool Town have officially opened the Cymru Football Foundation (CFF) and UK Government’s latest successful project, the Wayne Evans Playing Fields.
Through the Football Association of Wales’ Grassroots Facilities Investment Fund, the CFF – with support from UK Government – were able to support the installation of three new junior pitches through a grant of just over £65,000, coupled with club’s fundraising efforts.
After losing their previous junior pitches to a school build in 2018, Welshpool Town were left with half of their previous pitch access and struggling to cope with the demand of playing and training opportunities for their senior and junior teams – which led to two of their teams having to fold.
Named after a local footballing legend, the installation of these new pitches has allowed the club to add to their pool of over 270 junior and senior players – including over 50 female participants, apply for other FAW schemes to encourage participation in the area and restore the teams they’d previously lost.
Speaking at the event, Chairperson of Welshpool Town Juniors Chris Roberts said: “Without this generous grant from the Cymru Football Foundation and UK Government, the installation of these new pitches would not have been possible. We’re so pleased that our junior and senior teams have somewhere to train, play and help us grow as a football club.”
Aled Lewis, Head of Operations at the Cymru Football Foundation said: “We’re delighted to be able to have worked with Welshpool FC with the installation of three new grass pitches and support their efforts to continue with development of grassroots football in mid-Wales. I have no doubt that we’ll soon see the club to continue to grow and have a positive impact on the local community.
“A huge thank you to UK Government and Sport Wales for their support – we look forward to continuing to work with our partners to achieve our goal of Inspirational and Fit-For-Future Facilities across the country.”
Stuart Andrew, Sports Minister for UK Government, said: “Having access to high quality sport facilities is vital for helping young people stay fit and healthy. Welshpool Town FC’s new pitches are just one example of how the Government, Wales FA and the Cymru Football Foundation are focused on increasing opportunities to play football. We are investing almost £400 million across the UK in grassroots facilities to help drive sport participation up for all the positive benefits it brings.”
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.
