Caerphilly Observer
Member Sign in Manage Membership
Become a Member - no ads
Menu
  • News
    • Senedd
    • Business
    • Newport
    • Opinion
  • Sport
    • Rugby union
    • Football
  • Membership & Subscriptions
  • Notices
  • Obituaries
  • About
    • Advertise
  • Sponsored Content
Menu

“Makes no sense”: Football club set to be without training ground for rest of season

News, Sport | Tom Hicks | Published: 15:35, Friday February 9th, 2024.
Last updated: 15:35, Friday February 9th, 2024

Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters

From just £1 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts. Become a member today

Newbridge Leisure Centre
Newbridge Leisure Centre’s astroturf has hosted the football club for three years

Newbridge Town AFC could be without a training ground for the rest of the season after the council announced it will be replacing the 3G pitch at Newbridge Leisure Centre from next week.

Club secretary Scott Burnett told Caerphilly Observer the club was only given a week’s notice to find a new venue.

He said: “The first we heard about an actual closing date was last week. We were told it’s going to be shut for three months, which was a bit of a blow considering the point we’re at in the season.

“It’s hard enough to find a slot on a 3G pitch at the best of times, but you’ve got next to no chance this late into a season. We just wanted some notice.”

Asked if the council had provided any alternatives, Mr Burnett said: “We were offered Risca astro at 5pm on a weekday but that’s out because of the time. They also suggested a five-a-side pitch, but we’ve got 35 boys; there’s no chance that’s big enough.”

Newbridge currently play in the North Gwent Premier Division, having gained promotion last season.

Mr Burnett went on to say that Ystrad Mynach’s Centre for Sporting Excellence was considered, but due to the costs there that would be difficult.

“Furious”: Pitch fees to rise by 20% if council budget approved

He continued: “We’re at the point where we’ll need to start road running just to keep fit. We’re not a running club at the end of the day. We want a ball at feet.”

Mr Burnett did say how he welcomed the upgrade to the pitch – which was initially planned to begin in the spring – but questioned the timing.

“It makes no sense. The school uses this pitch too – wouldn’t it be better to have planned this during the summer when the season has finished and the schools are closed?

“We’ve emailed around so we’re hoping to hear something back from someone soon.”

In a press release, the council said: “This project is the latest investment by Caerphilly County Borough Council as part of its ten-year Sport and Active Recreation Strategy to improve and enhance facilities across the county borough

“The team at Newbridge Leisure Centre will work with all current hirers and we will do our best to relocate existing bookings locally, to minimise any inconvenience.

“We apologise for any disruption and appreciate your cooperation as we strive to elevate your enjoyment at our facilities.”

The work is expected to be completed in May.


Sign-up to our daily newsletter


Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters

From just £1 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts.

Become a member today

Jaggery

Latest News

  • The pedigree cows of Gelliargwellt Uchaf Farm
    Moo-vellous: Dairy farm recognised for top-quality Holstein herdTuesday, October 28, 2025
  • A Welsh Water van
    Welsh Water fine cut from £1.35m to £120,000 after appealTuesday, October 28, 2025
  • Face mask stock image
    Health board lifts face mask requirements in hospitalsTuesday, October 28, 2025
  • Artist impression of proposed improvements to Dafydd Williams Park, Caerphilly
    Hopes revamp will make park ‘feel more connected’ to rest of townTuesday, October 28, 2025
  • Coronavirus vaccine
    Public Health Wales urges people to have flu jab ‘as soon as possible’ as cases riseTuesday, October 28, 2025
  • New rules could allow council candidates to spend more money on securityTuesday, October 28, 2025

Find out how the communities of Caerphilly County Borough get their names

Caerphilly

Legal & Public Notices

  • Notice of application for a premises licence: Ffos CaerffiliThursday, October 23, 2025
  • Notice of application for a variation of a premises licence: Pontygwindy Industrial EstateWednesday, October 22, 2025
  • Caerphilly County Borough Council public noticesThursday, October 16, 2025
  • Caerphilly County Borough Council public noticesThursday, October 2, 2025
© 2009-2024 Caerphilly Media Ltd, Caerphilly Miners Centre for the Community Watford Road Caerphilly, CF83 1BJ. Incorporated in Wales No. 07604006.