A growing enthusiasm for 5-a-side football in Cardiff has led to Wales’ first purpose built football facility expanding after just three years.

The £1.25 million Gôl Centre has received support from the Sports Council for Wales as they continue to build relationships within the private sector, by expanding the existing facilities adding another two outdoor 5-a-side courts and Cardiff’s only 7-a-side pitch to the existing facilities.

Over 300 teams a week take advantage of the football facility, which now boasts 10 5-a-side pitches, one 7-a-side pitch and a clubhouse with changing facilities and hot showers, and this latest £250,000 project will allow for even more of Cardiff’s budding footballers to get involved.

Gwilym Boore, from the Gôl Centre comments on the developments at the facility:

"The assistance we received from the Sports Council for Wales has been instrumental in Gôl expanding its playing area by 25%. This was sorely needed as the centre was operating at full capacity during peak hours and we had to disappoint customers who wanted to use our facilities.

"Since the additional pitches have opened we are once again operating at near enough full capacity and the 7-a-side pitch in particular is receiving fantastic plaudits from customers. The additional pitches have helped us establish the biggest 5-a-side leagues in Wales and we are now operating what we understand to be one the UK’s biggest workplace leagues."

The revolutionary football facility brought a touch of Spain to Wales’ capital back in January 2006 with replica pitches from top flight European team Real Madrid – the pitches look and feel like natural turf but without the disadvantages of getting water logged when wet or rutted when dry - making it a year-round facility.

Philip Carling, Chair of the Sports Council for Wales, explains:

"This project is of enormous benefit to the local community and has already provided people from all walks of life with an increased opportunity to participate in physical activity – this expansion can only work towards increasing those numbers even further.

"With funding and support from the Welsh Assembly Government and the National Lottery, the Sports Council for Wales is helping to transform the sporting landscape in Wales. The considerable investment into community sport, facilities, equipment and coaches has impacted on communities throughout the principality and is helping to raise participation rates across the board."

Nearby Fitzalan High School also benefits from the facility with access to the pitches throughout their school day with it then operating as a business and community facility during evenings, weekends and holidays.

Leagues have been set up for teams to play competitive matches on a regular basis but if it’s just a kick-about that you’re after, block bookings and occasional hire are available with one day tournaments and competitions also on the agenda.

For budding footballers wanting to raise their game, Saturday morning soccer schools are available in both English and Welsh, with qualified FAW coaches on hand to give 4-12 year olds some expert coaching and tuition.

For more information on any of the opportunities available at The Gôl Centre contact 0870 168 8989.