Brynmawr Foundation School is to get a 3G multi-purpose sports pitch that will realise an investment of over half a million pounds, thanks to partnership working between the school, Blaenau Gwent Council and Welsh sport agencies.
The new development at Brynmawr would see all of Blaenau Gwent鈥檚 secondary/all through schools having access to such provision. Brynmawr has experienced flooding and drainage issues with its existing facilities, and the school is overjoyed at the chance to be able to deliver enhanced physical education and sporting opportunities for pupils on site.
As well as being used by the pupils of the school, the pitch will also be available to local junior and senior sports clubs for both training and matches.
The project is being made possible through a partnership between the school, Blaenau Gwent Council, and a 拢200,000 funding allocation from Sport Wales using National Lottery money.
Sport Wales approved the allocation following discussions with The Artificial Surfaces Collaboration Programme, which is made up of the FAW, the WRU and Hockey Association Wales (HAW). The programme usually funds between 10 鈥� 12% of a project, but recognising the real need for this provision agreed to fund a total of 拢200,000.
Work is expected to commence on site during the latter part of the spring/early summer 2021 and conclude during the early part of the autumn-term 2021.
Headteacher Gerard McNamara says:
鈥淭he school and its Governing Body are absolutely delighted that this exciting project is moving forward. This is partnership working at its very best and I would like to thank all partners for showing real commitment to this project. The new pitch will transform the way we are able to deliver physical education and sports at our school and will also be an asset for the wider sporting community.鈥�
Executive Member for Education at Blaenau Gwent Council, Cllr Joanne Collins says:
鈥淲e are delighted to be working in partnership with Brynmawr Foundation School and other partners to develop this new 3G pitch, which I am in no doubt will be a real asset to both the school and the local clubs and teams who are already looking forward to using it.
鈥淭his is important for Education as we continue to work to raise standards and give pupils the best opportunities and learning environments that we possibly can. It is also important that we encourage everyone in Blaenau Gwent to lead healthy and active lives, and ensuring there are first class facilities on their doorstep will help with this well-being objective.鈥�
The pitch and its bookings will be managed by the school鈥檚 existing Business Manager through an online booking system.