A NEW stand at Undy AFC’s ground was opened by Jessica Morden MP on Saturday, in what club officials called a “fantastic celebration”.

The Football Association of Wales and Monmouthshire County Council helped fund the project, and although Saturday’s game with Haverfordwest County was postponed, Undy AFC’s director of football, Jason Davies, said it was still a great day in the club’s history.

“Saturday was fantastic,” he said. “It was still such a good day with a lot of people spending most of the day with us, and to see so many people in one place that have helped us make it possible – plus all the people this side who then did all the work – it was a fantastic celebration.”

Mr Davies said the developments would help further the club’s ambitions.

“In 2010, we had to put a stand in to meet the league criteria to go up to the next level.

“As we’ve risen through the levels, up to Welsh League Division 1 where we are today, the criteria gets tougher and you have to provide nicer facilities – but also our ambitions have become greater.

“What we have here today isn’t just the minimum requirement. We’ve spent an awful lot of money re-laying what’s probably the best grass pitch in South Wales football.”

And Ms Morden was delighted to be part of The Tigers’ special day.

“It was a pleasure to help open the new stand. Undy AFC is a club with a strong community ethos, and the success of the senior men’s team over recent years – going from the Gwent County Leagues to the second tier of the Welsh Football League – has been matched by the development of a women’s’ side and a great range of junior teams for boys and girls.

“The coaches and volunteers behind the scenes deserve enormous credit for all their hard work for the club over the years, and I’m sure we’ll continue to see Undy AFC go from strength to strength on and off the field.”

Mr Davies shared that optimism for the future.

“What having facilities like this now does for us is to really put us on the map in terms of being a great venue for kids to come and play football.”

He said the club had just set up its first girls’ team and described Undy AFC as a “great and safe environment” for players of all ages.

“When you come here why wouldn’t you want to play here?” he asked.

By Josh Thomas