Guest Article – FAW Cymru
Rhiannon Roberts has officially opened the Ysgol Bryn Alyn 3G pitch in partnership with the Cymru Football Foundation.
Ysgol Bryn Alyn is now home to a new state-of-the-art 3G thanks to investment from the Cymru Football Foundation, Wrexham Council and Sport Wales.
The seven-figure investment sees a brand-new, full-size artificial pitch erected at the secondary school in the heart of Wrexham.
The new facility will provide a safe, welcoming space for players whilst also offering much-needed training and playing facilities for local grassroots clubs.
The opening follows on from the UEFA Euro U19s final down the road at Y Cae Ras – home of Wrexham AFC – highlighting the legacy that elite level tournaments can have on local communities and the next generation of players.
The completion of the project at the secondary school sees the total invested into Wrexham by the CFF top £1million – with projects also supported at Ysgol y Grango and Ysgol Rhosnesni in recent years.
Beyond the structural improvements, the new facility also carries deep cultural significance – a mural honouring ex-pupil and Cymru international Robbie Savage alongside current Cymru No.5 Rhiannon Roberts – who has strong family ties to the local area.
The artwork serves as both a tribute to their invaluable contribution to Welsh football and an inspiration to young players using the new facility, highlighting the ambitions to develop future international players and recognise proud local heritage.
Aled Lewis, Director at the Cymru Football Foundation said, “With the UEFA EURO U19 Championships in North Wales over the summer, this is a timely reminder about the significant positive legacy tournaments can bring to our communities.
We’re delighted that this facility is now open and hopefully the U19 Euros will inspire local players – it’s our job to make sure they have those safe, inspiring places to play.
A huge thank you to UK Government, the Football Association of Wales and the Premier League for their continued support – together we’re working to improve Welsh football on and off the pitch.”
Mark Pritchard, Leader of Wrexham Council said, “This fantastic new facility at Ysgol Bryn Alyn is another example of what can be achieved when partners work together with a shared vision for improving opportunities for our communities.
Through our Football Facilities Strategy, Wrexham Council has worked closely with the Cymru Football Foundation, local schools, clubs and other key partners over recent years to invest in and enhance football facilities across the county borough.
Importantly, this is now the sixth pitch to be delivered through this successful partnership approach, highlighting the significant progress being made in improving access to quality football facilities across Wrexham.
The new 3G pitch will provide a first-class environment for grassroots football, helping to increase participation, support player development and ensure more people can enjoy the physical, social and wellbeing benefits that sport brings. We are proud to see this latest investment delivered for the benefit of current and future generations.”
The CFF’s investment has been made possible by the UK Government. DCMS’ multi-sport grassroots facility programme has committed £5.6million to support the development of grassroots facilities across Wales in 2026/27.
Stephanie Peacock MP, Minister for Sport at UK Government said, “As a government, we are absolutely committed to making sure that people all over the UK can enjoy physical, mental and social benefits of sport and physical activity. That’s why we’re investing more than £400million to build and upgrade grassroots facilities in areas across the UK that need them most.
This investment at Ysgol Bryn Alyn will help inspire the pupils and serve the local area so that local people have a high-quality place to play and get active in the heart of their community.”
Since 2022, the Cymru Football Foundation has invested over £25million into high-quality football facilities across the country.
The CFF supports development of football through investment and guidance as we deliver on the Football Association of Wales’ commitment to develop inspirational fit-for-future football facilities across the country.
