There was a sign of things to come at Underhill Park this weekend as both Mumbles’ senior football and rugby teams took part in competitive matches on Saturday. The park was alive with players, coaches, supporters and families enjoying the sporting action on the day that restrictions were relaxed across Wales.

Mumbles Rangers took to the field on a greatly improved football pitch that now includes new dugouts, thanks to a grant from Mumbles Community Council (MCC). The grant also allowed for the purchase of four new mini goals for younger players.

MCC Councillor Dr Martin O'Neill said " It was amazing to see so many people using Underhill Park today. With both the rugby and football in full flight it showed how the park is a real centre of the community. Between the players, officials and spectators we had the full spectrum of community members who were enjoying the facilities that are currently on offer and how the park acts as a focus for bringing people together. I even met people who had travelled from as far away as Fulham in London in order to have a day out in Underhill today and I truly believe that as we improve the facilities it can only increase engagement and activity in the area and it will be a real boom to Mumbles."

Significant further improvements to the facilities at Underhill Park are planned, including refurbishing the existing pavilion and replacing the public toilets. In addition, the buildings currently used as changing rooms by the two resident clubs, Mumbles Rangers Football Club and Mumbles Rugby Club, will be demolished and replaced with new changing facilities and a new community hub & café. A tripartite lease agreement was approved recently by MCC, representing a significant step forwards as the overall project moves ever closer to becoming reality.

Mike Parkin, Chair of Mumbles Rangers commented, “Mumbles Community Council have greatly supported Mumbles Rangers Football Club for some time. They have recently helped us achieve one our goals by ensuring that our men's first team can now play in the new West Wales tier 4 league. This has come with extra pitch and equipment requirements and MCC have supported us in getting there. It is so important for our club to ensure we create a pathway for our 560 plus members of the junior and youth sections. This will ensure more local boys and girls will continue to play football in our community. We are also excited at the prospect of offering more attractive football for anyone in the community to come and enjoy on a Saturday afternoon. Nothing would give me greater pleasure than seeing crowds of people having a day out in Mumbles and coming to Underhill Park to watch the football and rugby. The continued support of MCC will ensure that this will happen.”

Rugby takes centre stage later this month as the Crackers’ Sevens tournament returns to Underhill on Sunday August 29^th. Matches begin at midday and continue at pace throughout the day, followed by evening entertainment in the park.