The research document, ‘All Wales Vision and Guidance for Artificial Turf Pitches’ (2015)1 notes that rural areas have a relatively high proportion of ‘successful’ clubs, but these are often small in their membership and widely dispersed. This makes the business case for the significant investment required for Artificial Grass Pitches (AGPs) difficult to promote, particularly for hockey. In these circumstances, strategic education centres (i.e. Colleges/High Schools) offer the only financially justifiable model.
The redgra at Llanidloes High School is no longer fit for purpose. The pitch frequently floods and the surface is very worn. Sections of the redgra have to be cordoned off by teaching staff to secure pupil safety. The resulting reduction in the available all weather playing area at the school: restricts both the primary and secondary school PE curriculum; results in a loss of curriculum time in inclement weather; and prevents competitive fixtures from being played.
Powys Local Authority have acknowledged the need to address this situation through their ‘Schools Service Major Improvements Programme 2017-2020’.
Read the full report here:
Llanidloes 3G pitch Project