A NEW artificial pitch in Meirionnydd has been welcomed as “a great step forward for football”.

There was great excitement in Bala over the weekend as the new 3G pitch at Maes Tegid was officially opened.

Bala football club welcomed representatives from Gwynedd Council, members of the Football Association of Wales as well as former Wales player and football commentator for S4C’s Sgorio Malcolm Allen, who officially cut the ribbon.

Cllr Gareth Thomas, Gwynedd Council cabinet member for Education, said: “This £500,000 development will be available for local children to use during school hours, as well as benefiting the wider community.

“In addition to the £10 million investment to establish a modern learning campus for pupils aged between three to 19-year-old in the town, and to re-furbish the community library and art facilities, the new 3G pitch will form part of important additional community resources/services for Bala and the surrounding area.”

Bala’s enthusiastic supporters arrived at Maes Tegid on Saturday afternoon to see the game against Alloa Athletic in the Scottish Challenge Cup.

A spirited performance by the home side was not enough to overcome the Scottish side who won 4-2 on the day.

Read the full story in this week’s Meirionnydd edition of the Cambrian News, out Thursday