Case Study: Aberfan Community Centre, Merthyr Tydfil
We are proud to have completed the installation of a brand-new 3G artificial grass pitch in Aberfan, Merthyr Tydfil, transforming a valued community sports facility into a modern, all-weather space designed to support year-round use.
This project is particularly significant for us, as it marks a return to a site we first worked on 21 years ago. At that time, Notts Sport installed the original sand envvelope Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA), delivering a surface that served the local community for two decades. Being trusted again to support the redevelopment highlights the strength of long-term relationships and reflects our continued commitment to delivering high-quality, sustainable sports environments across the UK.
“Having installed the original sand envelope MUGA here 21 years ago, it is incredibly rewarding to return and deliver this next chapter for the facility. The move to a modern 3G system ensures the site can support increased participation, improved performance and year-round access for the community. Being trusted again reflects the strength of our long-term partnerships and commitment to creating sustainable sports environments,” said Tom Walton, Head of Multi Sports.
The new pitch features TigerTurf Rugby 350, a high-performance 3G surface chosen to support both rugby and football, with the durability and playing characteristics required for modern community sport. Designed to withstand heavy use and challenging weather conditions, the upgraded facility provides improved performance, enhanced comfort underfoot and a significant increase in year-round availability — ensuring the pitch can meet the demands of grassroots clubs, teams and recreational users alike.
Installation works were completed in partnership with South Wales Sports Grounds, with Notts Sport supporting the design and development of the project to ensure the finished facility meets the highest standards. Our experience in community and multi-sport pitch delivery helped guide the selection of the surface system and overall specification, ensuring the facility is built to provide long-term value for both the council and the community it serves.
The pitch was officially opened on 5 February 2026 by Jack Sargeant MS, Minister for Culture, Skills and Social Partnership, alongside Councillor Paula Layton, Mayor of Merthyr Tydfil, local representatives and community members. The reopening comes at a particularly poignant time for the village, as 2026 marks 60 years since the Aberfan disaster. It was clear at the opening that this redevelopment represents more than just a new sports surface — it is a positive investment in health, wellbeing and opportunity for future generations.
Councillor Brent Carter, Leader of Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council, highlighted the wider investment in local sport: “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.”
He also thanked Notts Sport for supporting the design and development of the site and South Wales Sports Grounds for delivering the works in challenging conditions. The project was made possible through funding from Welsh Government, Sport Wales, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council. We are grateful to have been involved in delivering a facility that will provide lasting benefits for the local area, and we are proud to play our part in supporting community sport through the design, supply and delivery of high-performance pitch systems.
Returning to Aberfan after two decades has been a privilege, and we look forward to seeing the new pitch become a vibrant hub for local sport for many years to come.
