£170k investment transforms village sports facilities

The Cymru Football Foundation has opened its latest fit-for-future facilities-funded project at Berriew Football Club in partnership with the UK Government.

Opened at The Haydn Williams Recreation Field Grounds, the CFF – with support from UK Government – has supported a significant upgrade of the playing surface through a grant of just over £170,000, coupled with the club’s fundraising efforts.

The small-sided community facility has been prone to wear-and-tear, becoming unsafe to use and no longer fit for purpose. This had seen the club having to spend over £3,000 a year for their junior players to train elsewhere.

Thanks to this investment, Berriew FC’s 200 junior players will now be able to train consistently, whatever the weather, and re-invest the funds they were previously spending on alternative locations to become a stronger, more sustainable community-focused club – a key priority for the CFF.

Speaking at the opening, Berriew FC Chair, David Jones, said: “We’re thrilled to have such an amazing facility that benefits not only football and tennis but also the wider community.

“The investment and work that has taken place have resulted in a fantastic multi-sport site, enabling year-round play and winter football training to resume.”

Aled Lewis, Foundation Director at the Cymru Football Foundation, said: “The Cymru Football Foundation is committed to investing in fit-for-future facilities across Wales and this investment at Berriew FC will attract more players and allow current players to have better experiences.

“A huge thank you to UK Government alongside our other partners and funders for their continued support – we’re taking strides in improving football in Wales on and off the pitch.”

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.

Since February 2022, the CFF has invested over £10 million into supporting similar facilities across the country.

Find out more by visiting www.cff.cymru.