Appeal launched to boost vital facilities at football fields

An appeal has been launched to improve the facilities at Welshpool’s Wayne Evans Playing Fields, with an initial bid to raise £10,400 towards a new toilet block.

The fields, consisting of three football pitches, officially opened in 2023 in memory of the former Welshpool professional footballer who tragically died suddenly that summer.

They were well used throughout the last spring and summer by the town’s 250 junior team players, as well as people just wanting a kick about.

It has also become a refreshing environmental area popular with walkers taking advantage of a wildlife haven right on the edge of town.

But it is time to build up the facilities in order to improve the experience with a toilet block seen as essential.

“The club has sourced a sustainable and environmentally friendly block with four toilets and one disabled toilet, which is self-contained and can be easily situated on site,” said Eva Bredsdorff (pictured), secretary of Welshpool Town Football Club.

“We are sourcing grants to cover the majority of the £49,000 cost but we will need to raise £10,400 ourselves to make this happen.”

Fund raising activities are planned throughout the summer and a ‘gofundme’ page is up and running for people to contribute to.

Eva explained that the new toilet block has roof-mounted solar panels, and a long-lasting battery supplying free renewable energy. It has a water system, which harvests rainwater and recycles grey water for handwashing, then uses this water in micro-flush freshwater toilets to save water.

The block is vandal-proof and secure and meets all the club’s requirements to benefit players, coaches, volunteers and spectators for many years.

“This sort of facility is absolutely imperative and has become our main priority for the pitches, which will also continue to be improved through drainage and other work,” said Eva.

If you would like to support the fundraising, click here.