The upgraded facilities at Coed Eva FC in Cwmbran have been officially opened ahead of the new season after a £637,000 investment aimed at modernising the club's home ground. The work, which includes new changing rooms, dugouts, drainage and fencing, represents a major boost for a long-established local club.
Funding and local support
The bulk of the funding came from the Cymru Football Foundation, which provided 70 per cent of the overall cost. Torfaen County Borough Council supplied further financial support, including sums drawn from developer contributions held by the authority.
Councillors and club officials underlined the partnership approach behind the project. Councillor Mandy Owen, Executive Member for the Environment, said the funding model demonstrates the council's aim to reinvest developer contributions within the borough to deliver community benefit.
"By reinvesting developer contributions locally, we have been able to deliver modern facilities that will benefit current and future generations of players, volunteers and residents," said Councillor Mandy Owen.
Impact on the club and community
Coed Eva FC, formed 46 years ago, runs nine teams and currently involves about 150 members and 27 volunteers. Club chairman Paul Bielski described the project as both challenging and rewarding and said the improvements had already attracted interest from former players.
"Getting to this stage has been challenging but incredibly rewarding. We've already seen former players express an interest in returning after seeing the improvements," said Paul Bielski.
Club officials now hope to secure additional funding to upgrade the car park, an issue that remains a priority for accessibility and spectator safety.
Context: a borough-wide facility plan
The opening coincides with publication of a new Local Football Facility Plan for Torfaen, produced by Continuum Sport & Leisure in partnership with the Football Association of Wales, the Cymru Football Foundation, Torfaen Council and local clubs. The plan sets out a long-term vision to meet growing demand and raise the quality, accessibility and sustainability of football provision across the borough.
- Project cost: £637,000
- Primary funder: Cymru Football Foundation (70%)
- Additional support: Torfaen Council (including developer contributions)
| Club detail | Figure |
|---|---|
| Years since founding | 46 |
| Number of teams | 9 |
| Members | c.150 |
| Volunteers | 27 |
While the refurbished changing facilities and dugouts will improve the match-day experience and help with player retention, the wider aim signalled by the facility plan is to secure the long-term sustainability of grassroots football in Torfaen. Club leaders and council representatives say further improvements, including the car park, remain on the agenda and will require additional grant or capital support.
The project illustrates how matched funding, developer contributions and partnership working can deliver tangible benefits for local sports clubs. For residents and volunteers at Coed Eva FC, the new infrastructure offers improved facilities for training and matches and a platform for future growth.
