Image: South Wales Sports Grounds
The brand new 3G sports pitch at Darran Park in Ferndale is now ready to be used, becoming the 16th ‘all-weather’ artificial surface provided by the Council thanks to continued investment in outdoor leisure facilities.
Contractor South Wales Sports Grounds has now delivered the excellent facility, in a project that has upgraded the old astro-turf with a modern surface that is designed for use in all weather. Following the recent completion of the construction phase, the relevant safety assurances has been received by the Council – enabling the facility to be brought into use from September 26.
The Council has contributed £175,000 funding towards the project, which was agreed by Cabinet Members at their meeting in August 2022 as part of a one-off capital investment in priority areas. A further £170,000 grant has been secured from the Football Association of Wales (FAW) Cymru Football Foundation, working in partnership with the UK Government.
The floodlit 3G pitch is built to South Wales Alliance League and FAW Welsh Reserve League accreditation standards to host league football matches, and has the potential to be upgraded to FAW Welsh League standards (up to Tier 2). The surface also has a ‘shock pad’ underlay making it suitable for rugby training.
Booking enquiries are now being accepted for local clubs and the wider community to use the facility – whether on a block booking or a one-off basis. Please email sportspitchbookings@rctcbc.gov.uk for availability information.
Councillor Ann Crimmings, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Leisure, said: “I’m delighted that the Council now operates 16 ‘all-weather’ 3G sports pitches in communities right across the County Borough, having followed through on our commitment to invest in outdoor leisure facilities. They have been delivered alongside our three modern athletics track facilities in Aberdare, Beddau and Clydach Vale.
“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 which was officially opened by Wales manager Rob Page last November. The Foundation does invaluable work in our communities, by working closely with local clubs and schools to develop participation opportunities for everyone.
“The Council has invested in new 3G sports pitches as they have many advantages over traditional grass surfaces. They do not deteriorate and can be used in all but extreme weather – so residents can continue to enjoy them through the winter months. They also enable local sports clubs to fulfil their busy calendar of fixtures, where previously games would have been called off.
“The Council has already delivered its ambitious commitment to provide a 3G sports pitch within three miles of every household in Rhondda Cynon Taf – achieved through many years of investment that was started by our ‘RCT Invest’ programme. Bookings are now being accepted for the Darran Park pitch, and I’m sure residents in Ferndale and neighbouring communities will make great use of this fantastic facility for many years to come.”
