Plans Submitted for Modern Sports Facilities at Ysgol Gyfun Aberaeron
A significant proposal to enhance sports provision at a well-known Ceredigion secondary school has been formally submitted to the local authority. Ysgol Gyfun Aberaeron, working in collaboration with Sports Labs Limited, intends to transform the current tarmac tennis courts into a state-of-the-art multi-use sports area. The project, if given the green light, would herald the construction of a Cruyff Court—an all-weather, small-sided football pitch—alongside new amenities designed to encourage both school and community participation in sport.
Located on South Road at the heart of Aberaeron, the comprehensive school is seeking to update and expand its sporting infrastructure as part of an initiative spearheaded by the Cruyff Foundation. The Foundation is widely recognised for its efforts to promote youth development and accessibility in sport, with similar courts appearing across the UK and Europe in recent years. Under the current plans, the old tennis courts would be replaced by the new Cruyff Court, complemented by an adjacent 3 v 3 basketball facility, a trim trail with a polymeric surface leading to a landing pit, and a set of modern LED floodlights.
Described in supporting documents, the new pitch would use the latest in turf technology—specifically, Tiger Turf NRG—which does not rely on the rubber infills commonly found in artificial grass surfaces. This innovation is designed to maximise durability and safety for users, while reducing the need for ongoing maintenance. The four-column LED lighting system would extend the usability of the courts, ensuring they can be used well into the evening and during shorter winter days, a development that could prove highly beneficial to both students and the wider community.
Key advocates for the project highlight the inclusive potential of the new facilities. A Cruyff Court is recognised not just for its utility as a football pitch, but as a flexible, shared space for a variety of activities, aimed at fostering participation regardless of ability or background. Advocates argue that, alongside the basketball and trail amenities, these enhancements will provide a safe environment to promote equality, social integration, and physical fitness.
Widespread local support has already been registered, with letters backing the initiative coming from several grassroots sports organisations. Local clubs—including netball, cricket, and rugby teams—have joined with Ceredigion’s Pupil Referral Unit and nearby football entities to endorse the application, anticipating significant benefits in improved accessibility and quality of facilities. This collective support reflects a wider recognition of the importance sports infrastructure plays in supporting healthier, more active communities.
The planning application will now move forward for consideration by Ceredigion County Council. Should it be approved, the enhanced facilities are expected to provide year-round sporting opportunities, benefiting not just students at Ysgol Gyfun Aberaeron but also the broader Aberaeron community. This aligns with wider local and national efforts to support young people and encourage a lifelong engagement with sport.
If successful, the new sports area will also respond to increasing demand for public spaces where young people can develop both athletic skills and social bonds. Access during evenings and weekends is already envisaged, signifying a move to shared use and maximising the public value of any investment made.
The Cruyff Foundation has established a strong track record across the continent by championing such projects. By focusing on accessibility and inclusion, the Foundation’s model seeks to ensure that quality sports experiences are not limited to elite athletes but are extended to all young people—irrespective of their skill level or background.
With Ceredigion planners due to review the proposals in the near future, many across Aberaeron and beyond will be watching closely to see if the project secures the necessary permissions, opening the door for a significant boost to the region’s sporting and community facilities.