03/29/2024

Wales News Online

Local & National News for Wales

Swansea comprehensive school secures £111,000 funding towards new 3G pitch

LEADERS at a Swansea comprehensive school in a deprived area of the city have been congratulated for securing funding for a much-needed all-weather pitch.

They have been instrumental in acquiring £111,000 from two charitable foundations.

This will pave the way for a new 3G pitch to be installed at Dylan Thomas Community School, which serves Townhill and Cockett.

A decision to proceed with the pitch and a smaller multi-games area alongside was taken by Swansea Council’s cabinet on November 19.

The school will contribute £68,500 towards the project, and the council £25,000.

Cllr Jennifer Raynor, who has the education brief, singled out acting head teacher Paul Davies and chairman of governors, Dereck Roberts, for their efforts.

The John Street school has produced a business plan for running the new pitch outside of school hours to meet demand from the community.

And it was the school which secured £61,000 from the Johann Cruyff Foundation and £50,000 from the Garfield Weston Foundation.

Cllr Raynor said the growing school had the highest proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals out of any comprehensive in Wales, the highest number of pupils with additional learning needs, and three specialist teaching facilities.

“We really need to congratulate this school on the positive work they do,” she said.

There is expected to be sufficient parking for community sports groups using the new floodlit pitch after 5pm.

Several 3G pitches have been installed at secondary schools in Swansea in recent years.

A commitment was given for a new one at Pontarddulais comprehensive at a council meeting earlier this month.

Speaking at the cabinet meeting, Cllr Robert Francis-Davies praised Dylan Thomas Community School.

“It not only looks after its pupils but wants to do its part for the community it serves,” he said.

Ahead of the meeting, head teacher Mr Davies said: “This project will leave a long-lasting legacy for many years to come for our pupils and the wider community.”

Pic. Google Maps

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