Posted on: Tuesday 15 July 2025
Former Welsh professional footballer Danny Gabbidon put pupils through their paces at the opening of a new 3G pitch in Cwmbran.
The ex-Cardiff City player joined Council Leader Cllr Anthony Hunt, Cllr Richard Clark, Executive Member for Children, Families and Education, and Llantarnam ward councillors at Llantarnam Primary School earlier today.
The new facilities feature a floodlit all-weather surface, changing rooms, team dugouts, two spectator stands and a new carpark, offering pupils and local teams high quality venue for training and competition.
It also includes a sign featuring Danny Gabbidon in honour of his achievements on the football field and as a Football Association for Wales ambassador.
Danny, who went to school on the site of the 3G pitch, said: "It’s incredible to see how this space has been transformed. What was once just a grassy area where we played at break time is now a top-class facility for both pupils and the wider community.
“Having a sign here recognising my sporting achievement is truly humbling. I hope it inspires every young person who steps onto this pitch to believe in themselves, work hard, and most importantly—enjoy it, whatever sport they choose."
Visitors to the official opening were given a tour of the new facilities and watched as pupils from Years 5 and 6 joined Danny for a series of football drills on the new pitch.
Council Leader, Cllr Anthony Hunt, said: ““Today marks another significant milestone in our commitment to investing in modern infrastructure that benefits both education and the wider community.
“When I took over as Leader, we only had one 3G facility like this in the borough. Now we’ve opened three new ones this year alone - here, in Abersychan and Trevethin.
“We’ve been working on securing this development since 2017, with support and drive from both the Executive Member for Children, Families and Education and local ward councillors.
“The new 3G pitch will provide a safe, inclusive space for pupils and local clubs to train, compete and thrive—helping to nurture talent and promote healthier lifestyles.”
Laura Perrett, Headteacher at Llantarnam Primary School, said: “It was a real honour to mark the opening of our new 3G pitch today. This fantastic facility is a major asset that will greatly enrich sporting opportunities for our pupils and the wider community."
The new pitch opened to pupils today and will soon be available for online booking. For more information, visit https://schoolhire.co.uk/
The development on the former playing fields at Llantarnam Comprehensive School, was funded by UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund, Sport Wales, and the Football Association of Wales’ charitable partner, the Cymru Football Foundation.
The new 3G pitch is one of four in the borough - alongside ones at Abersychan School, West Monmouth School and Ysgol Gymraeg Gwynllyw.