Posted on: Friday 4 July 2025
New multi-million pound sports facilities have been officially opened at Abersychan School.
Guests, including Council Leader Anthony Hunt, Executive Member for Children, Families and Education Richard Clark, Torfaen MP Nick Thomas-Symonds and Lynne Neagle MS, were given a tour of the new facilities, and watched the school's football and rugby teams in training earlier today.
It comes as the new state-of-the-art 3G pitch, dance studio and sports hall - which have been available to pupils since April - were made available for community hire this week.
Council Leader Anthony Hunt said: "We’re here to mark the official opening of the new 3G pitch at Abersychan School but this investment is also about keeping people fit and active in the community as well as in our schools. As a Marmot Council this is very important.
"The more we can do to invest in the future of our young people, the more we can build a fitter more prosperous and more resilient community going forwards."
Headteacher Rhodri Thomas added: "This is a moment of celebration - not just for our school, but for the wider community that supports us.
"This 3G pitch is more than just a state-of-the-art surface. It represents opportunity. It’s a space where students will learn teamwork, resilience and leadership. At a time when young people face so many challenges, this investment in their physical health, mental wellbeing, and sense of belonging is more important than ever.
"But it’s also a resource for our community. We are proud that these facilities will be shared beyond the school gates, offering local clubs and groups a high-quality space to train, play, and grow."
The new £2.2m pitch includes a floodlit all-weather FIFA and World Rugby approved surface, refurbished changing rooms, team dugouts, and two spectator stands.
The project was funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the Football Association of Wales’ charitable partner, the Cymru Football Foundation.
Aled Lewis, Director at the Foundation said: “The Cymru Football Foundation is committed to investing in facilities that inspire communities. This new 3G at Abersychan School is a huge boost for sport in the local area and access to facilities across the borough.
“A huge thank you to our partners - UK Government – and Torfaen Council for supporting the development of this new facility. Through the power of collaboration, we’re making huge strides in improving football facilities in Wales on and off the pitch.”
The new 3G pitch is one of four in the borough - alongside ones at West Monmouth School, Ysgol Gymraeg Gwynllyw and Llantarnam Primary School due to open later this month.
The sports hall has been refurbished and a new dance studio created thanks to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. At the same time, the Additional Learning Needs resource base has been refurbished and was funded by a Welsh Government ALN grant.
It comes after the school's netball courts were refurbished, following investment from the Welsh Government's Community Focused Schools fund.
Members of the public can book the new facilities via the school's website, with priority given to local clubs and groups.