Arriva Trains Wales | SPONSORSHIP DEAL LIGHTS UP YOUNGSTERS TRAINING NIGHTS

SPONSORSHIP DEAL LIGHTS UP YOUNGSTERS TRAINING NIGHTS

Young footballers in Torfaen have secured a sponsorship deal with local train operator Arriva Trains Wales that will provide access to training facilities during the 2007/08 season.

Ponthir Juniors FC The sponsorship of Ponthir Junior Football Club, near Cwmbran, will allow more than 50 youngsters aged between nine and 14 to train on floodlit astro turf pitches during the winter months.

Carol Davies, deputy team manager, said: “The support towards the cost of hiring floodlit astro turf facilities means the boys can now continue to train regularly during the dark evenings in all weather conditions between September and April.”

She continued: “This will be of huge benefit to the team in respect of improved fitness and skill levels. It also means greater enthusiasm and a super team spirit. There is always an excellent turn-out for training in all weathers - the boys love using the astro turf.”

The club runs three teams from under 14 to under 10 in the Torfaen League and train twice a week at Llantarnum Leisure Centre and Caerleon Comprehensive School.

Geraint Morgan, community affairs manager for Arriva Trains Wales, said: “The sponsorship is part of an initiative aimed at encouraging participation in sport and boosting safety awareness among young people.”

He continued: “With the main Newport to Abergavenny railway line running past the clubhouse, our involvement is about encouraging young people to participate in positive leisure activities and help them understand the dangers associated with the railway environment.”

To further enhance the youngster’s awareness of railway safety, the Neighbourhood Policing Team from British Transport Police in Newport will soon be visiting the team’s clubhouse in Ponthir to give a talk on the dangers of trespass and the importance of keeping off the tracks.