Aberfan’s New 3G Facility Officially Opens as Village prepares to mark 60th Anniversary of disaster

Today saw the official opening of the newly refurbished 3G facility in Aberfan by Jack Sargeant MS, Minister for Culture, Skills and Social Partnership.

The site, which was previously an astroturf surface, has been out of commission since 2020 and has this year benefited from funding from Welsh Government via a Sport Wales capital grant, alongside a contribution from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Council funding.

The opening comes less than a year after the launch of the full size 3G pitch at Afon Taf High School, and it will be followed shortly by the almost complete refurbishment of Cyfarthfa High School astroturf, also supported by Welsh Government via the Sport Wales Pitch Collaboration fund.

This development also comes at a time of particular significance for the village of Aberfan, with 2026 marking 60 years since the Aberfan disaster. Today’s event saw pupils from Ynysowen Primary School present a Clogau commemorative badge to the Minister to mark the anniversary, before they took to the 3G to enjoy some rugby activities.

The Minister for Sport, Jack Sargeant, said: "It is a privilege to officially open this wonderful 3G facility in Aberfan, a village that holds such a special place in the hearts of people across Wales and beyond.

"As we approach the 60th anniversary of the Aberfan disaster, it was deeply moving to receive the commemorative badge from pupils at Ynysowen Primary School and to watch them enjoy the new facilities.

"This investment, made possible through Welsh Government funding via Sport Wales, demonstrates our commitment to ensuring communities across Wales have access to high-quality sports facilities. Together with the recent developments at Afon Taf and Cyfarthfa High Schools, we are giving the people of Merthyr Tydfil the opportunity to be active, healthy and connected through sport."

Councillor Brent Carter, Leader of Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council, said: “It’s fantastic to see three significant facility developments open in such a short space of time, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to enhancing our recreational spaces and sports pitches, and ensuring our local clubs have fit for purpose facilities to play on.

“I’d like to thank Welsh Government, Sport Wales and the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund for supporting this development. Without this funding we would not have been able to get this fantastic facility open.”

Active Merthyr, MTCBC’s Sport Development department who managed facility development projects, have been working with local clubs to arrange usage plans for the facility before handing it over to Halo Leisure, who will operate the site on behalf of the Council.

There are still some slots available on the site and these can be booked via 5-a-side and 6-a-side Football Venues | FA Accredited | PlayFootball Please note: Halo Leisure are in the process of arranging staffing so additional booking slots will be available online soon. Please contact Aberfan & Merthyr Vale Community Centre for further information.