A Cwmbran football club can hold more matches and training sessions on weekday nights thanks to new floodlights being installed around its pitch.
Cwmbran Celtic FC’s home ground is off Henllys Way, next to Cwmbran Stadium. Work has started to fit four eighteen-metre floodlights.
The club has raised money and received support from several businesses and organisations, including a £10,000 grant from Cwmbran Community Council.
Malcolm Jarrett, from Cwmbran Celtic FC, said: “The club has been trying to get floodlights installed for the best part of 20 years, but because of the substantial cost, it’s impossible for a club like ours to do it without some external finance support.
“In the last 12 months, we’ve worked hard to secure this from Sport Wales, Cwmbran Community Council, donations from some local companies, and the balance from our own fundraising efforts.
“It’s massive for the club to have finally got this over the line in our Centenary year. It will give us much more flexibility for some of our training sessions and give us the ability to play some games on weekday nights rather than on the weekend.
“We have plans for further improvements to our facilities in the coming years,l so watch this space.”
‘Regeneration grant’
Cllr Sean Wharton, chair of Cwmbran Community Council’s regeneration and major grants committee, said: “It’s wonderful to see work starting on the floodlights for Cwmbran Celtic FC, expanding the facilities of the ground and increasing the usable time for the pitch.
“We are glad that our regeneration grant has been well spent and remind groups and community organisations across Cwmbran to approach the council, particularly, as in this case, where match funding can help with a bigger project.”