By David Gold
March 20 – The turf for the new Welsh National Football Centre has been cut for the first time at the Newport International Sports Village.
Matthew Evans, the Leader of Newport City Council, was joined by Football Association of Wales (FAW) President Phil Pritchard, national team coach Chris Coleman, chief executive of the Welsh Football Trust Neil Ward and FAW chief executive Jonathan Ford.
Newport was chosen last year as the permanent base for Welsh Football and Ford has revealed that work on the scheme’s first phase will begin this month.
That will include the construction of the new headquarters of the Welsh Football Trust, two grass pitches and a 3G pitch.
The project is funded between the FAW, Newport City Council, Sport Wales, UEFA and FIFA.
FAW technical director Osian Roberts said: “Having a home where they can say, ‘I’m part of Welsh football, part of the future of Welsh football’ can only help the younger players coming through and likewise with the coaches.
“It is important for us when talking about elite coaches and players, to have an elite facility.”
Evans added: “I would like to thank the Football Association of Wales, the Welsh Football Trust and Newport City Council staff for working together to progress such an exciting and prestigious project to this latest stage.
“I am proud that Newport was chosen from a number of potential locations across South Wales and that the city is going to be the home for talented young stars of today and the future.
“It is also important to note that the 3G pitch will not only be a first class facility for national players but will also benefit the residents of Newport as it will be available for community use.
“This is another feather in the cap for Newport as the home of first class sport.”
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