A brand new multi-use games area (MUGA) at Rhydypenau Primary School has played host to the launch of an innovative schools football initiative between Cardiff Council and Cardiff City Football Club.
Cardiff City’s regular left back, Andrew Taylor attended the event which showcased the school’s new sports facility and hosted the launch of the Primary School Football Accreditation Scheme.
The programme aims to increase the participation in football amongst boys and girls of primary school age.
It also intends to raise the profile of football within curricular and extra-curricular provision whilst improving the quality of delivery of the sport through professional training and development.
Schools who choose to participate in the scheme will receive benefits such as access to free education courses and workshops for their coaches and professional support from Sport.Cardiff and Cardiff City Football Club.
In exchange for these benefits the schools are required to make several pledges of commitment including coordinating an extra-curricular football club which is accessible to boys, girls and children with disabilities.
They must also participate in at least one fixture or festival during the school year, develop links with the local football club and hold a recognised Football Association Wales (FAW) Coaching Qualification.
The school can then progress to Bronze, Silver and Gold Accreditation levels where there will be required to fulfil additional criteria.
Executive Member for Sport, Leisure and Culture, Cllr Nigel Howells said: “The launch of the Primary School Football Accreditation Scheme is an exciting project to engage more young people in football.
“It encourages schools to promote football amongst pupils which leads to a healthy and active participation in sport.
“Sport.Cardiff and the Cardiff City Football Club Community Foundation continue to work together to deliver exceptional football provision and increase access to football in the city.”
Multi-use games areas provide facilities for five-a-side football and basketball and provide a valuable resource for schools and local communities.
