Latest news with #CommunityFocusedSchools
South Wales Argus
08-07-2025
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
New 3G pitch officially opened at Risca Leisure Centre
Located at Risca School and Leisure Centre, the facility will serve both Risca Community Comprehensive School students during the day and the wider community in the evenings and on weekends. Councillor Chris Morgan, cabinet member for leisure, said: "This development reflects our commitment to providing high-quality, accessible facilities that support both education and lifelong participation in sport. "The 3G pitch enhances our ability to deliver the aims of the sport and active recreation strategy, ensuring that more people can enjoy the benefits of physical activity close to home." The floodlit pitch replaces the previous AstroTurf surface and is designed to accommodate both football and rugby. Its durable artificial surface allows for year-round use by schools, clubs, and community groups. The project supports Caerphilly County Borough Council's Sport and Active Recreation Strategy 2019–2029 and forms part of the authority's wider Place Shaping programme. Councillor Carol Andrews, cabinet member for education and communities, said: "This facility is an excellent example of how we can maximise the use of school sites for the benefit of both learners and the wider community. "It is a clear demonstration of our Place Shaping principles in action, creating shared spaces that improve education, health, and community wellbeing." The pitch was funded through the Welsh Government's Community Focused Schools capital grant programme. It is part of a broader investment in modern, accessible sports infrastructure across the borough. The 3G surface is designed to handle frequent use and provide a safe environment for a range of sports and activities. Bookings for the facility are now being taken in line with the council's pitch allocation policy. For more information or to check availability, contact Risca Leisure Centre at lcrisca@ or call 01633 600940.
Leader Live
22-06-2025
- General
- Leader Live
Flintshire activities for children with complex needs
The sessions, delivered through the Community Focused Schools programme, were held during the most recent half-term and included support for both special schools in the area. Working in partnership with Gwella and other organisations, the scheme has delivered 13 days of accessible activities at Flint and Deeside Leisure Centre and Ty Calon. Cllr Mared Eastwood, Flintshire's cabinet member for education, Welsh language, culture and leisure, said: "It is fantastic that, working in partnership with Gwella, this wide range of activities has been made available to children and young people who need additional support and that they have enjoyed participating so much. "This has been a great success, made possible by Community Focused Schools grant funding from Welsh Government." The programme offered a variety of activities, including soft play, bowling, sensory sessions, swimming, multi-sports, inflatables, ice skating, forest school, bushcraft, theatre, and a disco. In total, 121 families took part in 880 individual sessions. Parents described the scheme as providing a "safe environment for our children to play," with others calling it the "best half term" and expressing gratitude for the "much needed routine." READ MORE: Wrexham Furniture Centre to shut as bittersweet announcement reveals new outlet Get nostalgic with a dip into the Leader photo archives Another parent said the sessions offered a rare sense of support, adding: "Not feeling judged but feeling supported." One family described the programme as a 'fantastic job', and said it filled a gap where no other holiday clubs cater to children with additional learning needs.
