11. Will the Minister make a statement on investing in community 3G football resources? OAQ54851

Thank you very much for that comment. We have invested substantially already through Sport Wales, which is leading on our investment in 3G football and artificial pitches. They've invested £3.731 million in the collaborative sports facilities group, which includes the Football Association of Wales Trust, the Welsh Rugby Union and Hockey Wales. This has helped the FAW Trust in establishing 77 3G football pitches in Wales, with a target of 100 by 2024.

Thank you very much for that response. I would encourage you to invest further and to invest specifically in Ynys Môn. Referring to the earlier question on international football, well, there’ll be no international football without successful grass-roots football in our towns and villages across Wales. I look forward to following the Wales team to Azerbaijan later this year, but we won't be able to do that in coming years unless we invest in the grass roots.

There's a wonderful 3G facility in Llangefni and there's going to be investment in upgrading facilities in Menai Bridge. We truly need new 3G pitches in Holyhead and Amlwch, and I've held meetings already with representatives of those communities, who are willing to do whatever is necessary to bring that investment in. The local authority has a plan to invest over the next few years, but we need that investment now. Can I ask for a commitment from the Government to work with me and with others and with the council and community groups, community interest groups, on Anglesey to ensure that we see seek all means possible of drawing the funding in to bring these resources that are so crucial not only for the future of the beautiful game but for the health of our nation too?

Naturally, I’m going to agree with that. I had the opportunity of opening a new pitch in Parc Eirias in the county that I live in, and I know how important this resource is for all sorts of sporting activities where these pitches are suitable. So, what I will do is convey what has been said here today to Sport Wales and ask for a further report on the progress that they're making in Ynys Môn in particular. I accept that it’s not possible to have international football in Wales unless it includes Anglesey as well.

Thank you to the Minister and the Deputy Minister for answering all of their questions this afternoon.