Project Overview

Barry Rugby Football Club is developing proposals for a new community 3G pitch at its Merthyr Dyfan Road site, with the aim of creating a high-quality, all-weather facility that serves both the club and the wider Barry community.

The project is designed as a long-term community asset, supporting grassroots rugby, football, schools, and inclusive activity, while being operated responsibly alongside neighbouring residential areas. The proposal reflects the club’s commitment to improving access to sport, strengthening community wellbeing, and safeguarding the sustainability of local facilities.

 

Progress to Date

Since the project was initiated, Barry RFC has undertaken a substantial programme of preparatory work to ensure the proposal is robust, credible and deliverable.

This includes governance development, financial planning, early technical feasibility work, engagement with specialist advisers, and extensive consultation with local residents and stakeholders. This preparatory phase ensures decisions are evidence-led and aligned with best practice.
 

Business Plan & Financial Planning

A comprehensive business plan has been developed to assess the long-term viability of the proposed facility. This work considers capital construction costs, ongoing operational and maintenance costs, staffing requirements, pricing assumptions and lifecycle replacement planning.

The business plan ensures the facility can be operated sustainably without placing undue financial risk on the club, while remaining affordable and accessible for community users.
 

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Theory of Change

A formal Theory of Change underpins the project, clearly articulating how investment in the 3G pitch translates into tangible social outcomes.

This framework links improved facilities to increased participation among young people and women and girls, enhanced physical and mental wellbeing, inclusive access for schools and community groups, and long-term social value for the Barry area.
 

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Safeguarding & Governance

Robust safeguarding and governance arrangements have been developed to support the safe and responsible operation of the facility.

This includes safeguarding policies for children, young people and vulnerable users, clear lines of accountability, defined decision-making structures, and oversight mechanisms to ensure compliance with club, governing body and statutory requirements.
 

 

3G Project Sub-Committee & Oversight

The development of the Community 3G Pitch is overseen by a dedicated 3G Project Sub-Committee, established to provide appropriate challenge, expertise and accountability throughout the project lifecycle.

The sub-committee brings together experience across governance, finance, planning, surveying, construction, community development and rugby operations, ensuring the project benefits from informed, multidisciplinary oversight.
 

 

Sub-Committee Members

Mike Prosser – Club Chair
Strategic oversight and governance leadership, supported by professional legal expertise and strong local ties.

Mike Morgan – Director of Rugby
Rugby operations, facility standards and performance requirements.

Dan Maggs – Head of Partnerships
Project coordination, funding engagement, communications and community consultation.

Lloyd Jones – Club Treasurer
Financial governance, budgeting and risk management.

David Maggs – Consultant (Governance & Community Development)
Strategic governance and community development expertise.

Chris Jennings – Consultant (Sports Development & Facilities)
Sports infrastructure and WRU hub programme experience.

Gary Sutton – Consultant (Planning)
Planning strategy and development management.

Jonathan Smith – Consultant (Planning, Ground Engineering & Sports Surfaces)
Integrated planning, drainage and sports surface expertise (Geo-Turf).

Nick Paulakis – Consultant (Surveying & Geotechnical)
Ground investigation and site feasibility.

Glynn Jones – Consultant (Surveying & Geotechnical)
Geotechnical assessment and drainage considerations.

 

Community & Stakeholder Support

The project has received strong expressions of support from across the local community and education sector, including endorsements from local councillors and school head teachers.

 

CAT 2 Asset Transfer

Barry RFC has submitted a Category 2 Asset Transfer application as part of its long-term strategy for the site, supporting security of tenure and responsible investment.

 

Funding Approach & Delivery Plan

The project is being progressed through a clear, blended funding route aligned with governing bodies, public sector partners and community investment principles.

 

Flagship Funding Prospectus

A flagship funding prospectus has been produced to support discussions with governing bodies, trusts, public sector partners and potential sponsors.

 

Technical Development & Early Design Work

Outline technical drawings and feasibility-level designs have been commissioned to explore potential site layouts, access arrangements, drainage strategies and operational requirements.

All drawings are illustrative and non-final.

Suggested visuals:
- 1–2 early site layout drawings (clearly labelled as indicative)

 

Contractor Engagement & Cost Validation

Barry RFC has engaged with four specialist sports facility contractors to validate costs, construction methodologies and technical considerations. All engagement to date has been informal and non-binding.

 

Community Consultation

A comprehensive local residents consultation has generated over 100 responses. Feedback highlights strong overall support alongside clear concerns around traffic and parking, which are informing further work.

 

Next Steps

The next phase includes continued engagement with WRU, Sport Wales and the Vale of Glamorgan Council, alongside inviting nearby residents to face-to-face sessions at the clubhouse.

 

Contact

For updates or further information, please contact partnership@barryrfc.com