Rydal Penrhos celebrates launch of new Astro Turf in partnership with Sport Wales and Hoci Cymru

Rydal Penrhos School has officially unveiled its brand-new, state-of-the-art Astro Turf facility, delivered through a unique partnership between the school, Hoci Cymru and Sport Wales.

The launch event, held on the school’s main campus in Colwyn Bay, was attended by Jack Sargeant, Minister for Culture, Skills and Social Partnership (Alyn and Deeside) and Darren Millar MS alongside pupils, staff, alumni, community sports leaders and residents.

The £250,000 investment as part of Sport Wales pitch collaboration funding has created an outstanding all-weather playing surface designed to benefit not only Rydal Penrhos pupils but also the wider community. Local clubs, regional teams, and grassroots organisations will all be able to access the new facility, creating fresh opportunities for participation, training and competition across the area.

Principal Tom Hutchinson said:

“This project reflects our school’s ethos of Do All the Good You Can. While the new Astro Turf will be a wonderful resource for our pupils, it is equally important that we have developed something that will enrich our community and support the future of sport in North Wales. We are hugely grateful to Hoci Cymru and Sport Wales for their partnership, and to Darren Millar and Jack Sargeant for joining us today to celebrate what can be achieved when organisations work together.”

The new Astro Turf marks a significant milestone in the school’s ongoing investment in sport and community engagement. It is expected to serve as a training base for regional hockey, a venue for school and club fixtures, and a hub for encouraging more young people and families across Conwy and beyond to get active.

Jack Sargeant MS added:

“Like all our investments through Sport Wales, the new Artificial Grass Pitch here at Rydal Penrhos will support our commitment to provide inclusive, accessible and sustainable opportunities for people across Wales to enjoy both the physical and mental health benefits of sport.”

Darren Millar MS commented:

“I’m delighted to see the work on Rydal Penrhos new pitch finally complete, and it’s a privilege to be asked to officially open it. This new development will provide so many new opportunities, not just for the school, but also for the wider community. Sport plays such an important role in supporting wellbeing and fostering healthy communities, and I’m sure this investment will prove its worth for many years to come.”

Hoci Cymru CEO Paul Whapham said:

“This collaboration, supported by the Welsh Government and the joint efforts of Hoci Cymru and Sport Wales, is a significant step toward our vision to ‘ignite a passion for hockey’ across Wales, creating inclusive spaces that allow ‘ALL to ENGAGE, COMPETE & PERFORM’. 

“By enhancing facilities and launching community-driven initiatives, Rydal Penrhos is not only investing in elite resources but also laying the foundation for a lasting legacy in North Wales, directly benefitting local clubs like Eirias Hockey Club and providing them with improved resources to engage, develop, and inspire players of all ages and abilities.” 

With the pitch now open, Rydal Penrhos looks forward to welcoming schools, clubs, and community groups to make full use of the facility throughout the year.