WALES assistant manager Kit Symons has applauded a £500,000 Vale council investment in six new floodlit 3G outdoor football pitches in Barry.

Colcot Sports Centre now boasts four new five-a-side and two larger seven-a-side pitches. Each features a hardwearing synthetic 3G surface made up of artificial grass blades supported by a thin base layer of sand, and an infill of rubber crumb.

Mr Symons said: “It’s a great facility. You can see all the children running around having fun and facilities like this are vital for young players’ development within the Vale of Glamorgan and within Wales. They don’t come cheap these pitches. This is a big investment, but I think it’s one that’s very worthwhile for local communities and Wales as a whole because it’s important we get young boys and girls playing on a regular basis.

“Often mini football can get postponed quite a bit throughout the winter months and it’s important that the children can keep playing because they miss out on opportunities to develop. We’re hoping that one or maybe two can go on to play senior football and maybe go on and play in the first team for Wales.We want them to become the best they can be. This type of facility gives youngsters the opportunity to play and that’s what they need.”

Vale council leader, Cllr John Thomas said he was delighted to see state-of-the-art football pitches open at Colcot Sports Centre.

He said: “We are committed to encouraging an active lifestyle and this is the latest example of our ongoing investment into sport and leisure facilities.” Engaging in regular exercise is vital as it brings a host of health benefits and promotes general wellbeing.”

The pitches can be hired by the public, and used by schools and sports clubs.

There are also plans to run evening football leagues.

The project, which cost a total of £566,000, was carried out by local company South Wales Sports Grounds, with work starting in March.

Further work to improve sporting facilities in the Vale will see Barry and Penarth leisure centres undergo refurbishment work.