Afon Taf High School: 3G Pitch Installation
Carrick Construction was appointed to construct Afon Tafs pitch and surrounds, being built to...
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Key Facts:
- Formation dig
- Drainage
- 3G pitch installation
- Ecological and lighting surveys
- 12-month maintenance plan
Project Summary
3G pitches are popular in education settings due to their durability and ability to offer a year-round playing surface. Set in picturesque South Wales, Afon Taf High School in Merthyr Tydfil was granted a £1million investment to develop their facilities, which included the build of a new 3G pitch.
The funding for the project came from through the Cymru Football Foundation’s Fit-For-Future Facilities Programme, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Sport Wales Pitch Collaboration Fund.
Carrick Construction was appointed to construct the pitch and surrounds. The pitch was built to FIFA Standard and World Rugby Regulation 22, ensuring that they were fit for competitive sport and resulting in a durable, long-lasting quality pitch for students, local clubs and the community using the facility.
The pitch can be used year-round for fixtures and training due to the installation of surrounding floodlighting which will keep it well-lit during dark evenings in winter months. The lighting will also enhance the adjacent John Sellwood community track for walkers, runners and cyclists.
Challenges
Construction began in the last week of November 2024, and the high volume of rainfall meant the ground was incredibly muddy during the formation dig. This resulted in tighter schedules for the team to stay on track with completion.
Throughout the build, the only available access route to the school was through the school itself, which without supervision may have been a hazard to pupils and caused disruption, so this had to be worked around.
With additional lighting being introduced to the area, factors such as light pollution and the effect unnatural life can have on wildlife needed to be considered prior to construction.
Solution
The team put together a traffic plan with the school to make sure the access paths were as safe as possible for the pupils and staff, minimising disruption as well as ensuring safety.
Schedules were adhered to despite the challenges the weather brought, to keep the construction plan on track and meet completion dates.
Various ecological and lighting surveys were undertaken to ensure local habitat was not harmed in any way by the new facility.
THE RESULTS
The 3G pitch was unveiled in May 2025, with Danny Gabbidon, former Welsh professional footballer, opening the new facility.
Carrick successfully delivered the formation dig, drainage, carpet installation, fencing, lighting and groundworks, including the surrounding perimeter and sub-base, creating the pitch we see today.
We’re delighted to see the results of investment into grassroots sports for the area. Sports pitches not only bring communities together but can improve mental well-being and health for young people and players from local clubs.
Carrick are providing a 12-month maintenance plan for the school, ensuring the pitch stays in top form for all users.
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