Work will soon begin at Bangor City Stadium, installing the UK’s first 4G playing surface in North Wales, as part of the Cymru Football Foundation’s Fit-For-Future Facilities Programme. This initiative is in collaboration with CPD Dinas Bangor City 1876 and Nantporth C.I.C. The new surface will replace the existing 3G pitch at the stadium.

Bangor City Stadium has shared a joint statement from the Cymru Football Foundation (CFF), featuring insights from Director Lee Dixon and Aled Lewis, Director of the Cymru Football Foundation.

This exciting development will benefit not only Bangor City Stadium but also the wider community. The new 4G facilities will be used by Bangor City 1876, CPD Bangor WFC, and Penrhosgarnedd, as well as local groups and teams that will take advantage of this state-of-the-art facility.

The CFF, supported by the UK Government’s Grassroots Facility Programme and the Premier League, will pilot this innovative surface through a £350,000 investment to install the new pitch at Bangor City Stadium. Already utilized across Europe by clubs like PSV Eindhoven, this innovative approach serves as an alternative to the common 3G surface, which employs rubber-infused infill found widely in artificial pitches throughout the UK.

The non-infill design of a 4G surface allows for greater environmental sustainability, lowers costs associated with maintaining infill, and reduces ongoing maintenance requirements, all while ensuring a high-quality playing experience for users.

Aled Lewis, Director at the Cymru Football Foundation, stated: “We are thrilled to be installing the UK’s first full-size 4G pitch at Bangor City Stadium. At the Cymru Football Foundation, we are committed to testing and trialing innovative approaches and embracing new technology to deliver the best facilities for our communities. This project marks a significant milestone in the advancement of artificial pitch technology. I’d like to thank Nantporth C.I.C, Sports Labs, and Tiger Turf for their support in developing this project.”

Lee Dixon, Director at Bangor City Stadium, added: “We are absolutely delighted to have received CFF funding approval and appreciate their substantial investment. A combined total project investment of nearly £520,000 will be allocated to enhance the current 4G facilities, including the addition of new state-of-the-art dressing rooms, toilets, and catering facilities. The state-of-the-art 4G surface will position the City as a leader in providing ‘best in class’ sporting facilities throughout the UK.”

The CFF is dedicated to developing football facilities through investment and guidance, fulfilling the Football Association of Wales’ commitment to create inspirational, fit-for-future football facilities that will enhance and grow Welsh football both on and off the pitch. Since 2022, the CFF has invested over £18 million to support the development of fit-for-future facilities across the country.

Photo: Bangor City Stadium