Local football club moves toward energy self-sufficiency thanks to grant

CLARBESTON ROAD AFC has taken a major step towards becoming energy self-sufficient after receiving funding from the Welsh Government and Sport Wales for a solar power installation at its Knock Playing Field facilities.

The club, which signed up to the FAW Together Greener Charter in April, was awarded an Energy Saving Grant which has enabled it to install roof-mounted photovoltaic systems on both its garage and changing rooms.

The project also includes battery storage, helping the club maximise its use of renewable energy. In a further boost to sustainability, the changing rooms now feature an iBoost solar immersion heater controller, which allows solar energy to be used for heating the water in the showers.

A club spokesperson said: “One of our key goals under the Greener Charter was to install solar generation and other energy-saving measures to reduce our environmental impact and cut long-term costs. Thanks to the grant support, and the excellent work of local contractor Preseli Solar, we’ve been able to achieve that.”

The installation reflects a wider push across grassroots sport in Wales to tackle climate change, cut utility costs, and futureproof facilities. By generating their own power and reducing reliance on fossil fuels, clubs like Clarbeston Road AFC are helping lead the way in community-level sustainability.

The Herald understands that the funding was part of a broader Welsh Government initiative to support sport infrastructure improvements with an environmental focus.

NATASHA WILSON, Gemma Steel and Omar Ahmed lead the start lists for the Barry Island 10k this coming Sunday.

The race returns after a two-year sabbatical and hosts the second race in the 2025 R4W 10K Series at the quirky and popular seaside town famed for the Gavin and Stacey sitcom series.

Natasha Wilson (33:09) is the second fastest Welsh Athlete in history for the Marathon. She was the winner of the Cardiff University / Cardiff Half Marathon in 2022 and the victor of the Swansea University / Swansea Half Marathon last Sunday in 72:13.

2014 European Cross Country Champion Gemma Steel (31:26) last ran on Welsh soil at the Asics Home Nations 5K in Cardiff in 2023 finishing eighth in 16:15. She is the 11th fastest British Athlete in history over 10K and last raced at the Midland Counties Road Relay Championships in March.

Kate Estlea Morris (33:38) was the winner of the Reading Half Marathon in 2024 and a runaway winner at the Brecon Carreg CDF 10K last September and will look to challenge Wilson and Steel here.

Olivia Tsim (33:48) will also be in action and was second at the Adidas Manchester Marathon on her marathon debut in April and a previous winner of the Brecon Carreg Cardiff Bay 10K. She was also the winner of the season opener in the Welsh 10km Series at Caerphilly.

Alaw Evans (34:23) was the 2023 winner at the CDF 10k and a consistent performer that could cause an upset here.

Omar Ahmed (28:35) is a prolific racer and is rarely beaten. He most recently took victory at the Swansea University / Swansea Half Marathon in 63:13 last Sunday and is also a previous winner of the Run 4 Wales 10K Series.

Phil Wylie (29:30) finished fourth here at the last edition of this race and returns on Sunday.

Mike Ward (29:31) was the runner up at the Bryn Meadows Caerphilly 10k in early May and will face-off against the race winner Jonathan Butler (29:52) who is the final sub 30-minute performer in action here.

Daniel Hamilton (30:17 and Adam Bull (31:03) are next fastest.

County to welcome elite riders and fans for major sporting event

CEREDIGION is gearing up to welcome some of Britain’s top cyclists later this month as it plays host to the 2025 Lloyds National Road Cycling Championships and Beicio Cymru’s Road Cycling Championships.

The prestigious event, organised in partnership with British Cycling, will run from Wednesday, June 26 to Sunday, June 29, beginning in the picturesque seaside town of Aberaeron and finishing in Aberystwyth.

Spectators are invited to watch along the routes but are urged to choose safe viewing spots that do not obstruct the cyclists or race officials.

To support the smooth running of the championships, temporary road closures will be in place around Aberaeron and in and around Aberystwyth. A full list of closures can be found at:
www.ceredigion.gov.uk/resident/tourism-leisure/cycling-championships

The action begins on Thursday, June 26 with the individual time trials. Riders will set off from Aberaeron, racing through scenic countryside via Ciliau Aeron and Llanerchaeron before finishing on Lampeter Road. Time trials will run between 9:00am and 5:00pm.

In Aberystwyth, the ‘Caru Ceredigion’ area on the Promenade will host a range of stalls and exhibitions from Friday to Sunday, offering something for all ages. On Sunday, a large screen on the Promenade will live stream the final day of racing.

Businesses and residents across Ceredigion are being encouraged to decorate their properties to show support for the event and give visitors a warm welcome.

Due to high-speed racing — with cyclists expected to reach speeds of up to 50mph — all vehicles must be removed from the race routes. Any vehicles left along the course will be towed away for safety reasons.

British Cycling’s production team will use drones to capture aerial footage of the races. Private drone operators are asked not to fly drones along the course or near the production crew.

Councillor Clive Davies, Ceredigion’s Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration, said:
“Ceredigion has a proud track record in producing elite cyclists, including Josh Tarling, Stevie Williams and Gruff Lewis. Hosting the national championships is a fantastic opportunity to showcase our county and inspire the next generation of young riders.”

To coincide with the main event, the popular Summer Series for young Ceredigion cyclists will return. Three rounds of family-friendly races, organised by Ystwyth Cycling, Welsh Cycling and Ceredigion Actif, will take place on:

• Friday, June 13 – Blaendolau Fields
• Saturday, June 28 – Closed circuit race in Aberystwyth town
• Friday, July 11 – Blaendolau Fields

More information about the youth events can be found at: www.facebook.com/ystwythjuniors