A PARTNERSHIP between a new sports arena in Penarth and the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has been announced.

The link up between the Welsh rugby board and the new Vale Sports Arena based on Penarth Road will see a number of rugby coach education opportunities in the Vale of Glamorgan to help grow the game.

The Vale Sports Arena Group announced in February that they would be bringing the arena to the Penarth and Llandough area after the Vale council approved their application for the change of use at the premises.

The arena contains a 3G pitch, a gym, a cafe, bar, analysis room, conference room and other facilities and has been endorsed by Welsh goalkeeping legend Neville Southall.

The WRU Coach Development department are "excited" to announce the addition of this state-of-the-art facility to its 2016/17 coach education programme.

Jon Evans, coach development manager for the Blues region stated: "The Vale arena offers a new indoor 3G p?itch along with excellent presentation suites that enhances the experience that coaches receive when attending a course.

"I'm delighted that we will be running a level one and a level two course from there as this is the beginning of what will be a great partnership between the WRU and the arena."

Vale Sports Arena director, Peter Griffiths added: "The partnership is a wonderful indication and a sign of our commitment to help grow sport and physical activity for all ages in the area.

"To have the arena as a coach education centre for rugby is an honour and we will embrace the ongoing relationship.

Director Catherine Sharp commented: "Rugby is such a huge part of south Wales and the Vale Sports Arena is excited for this new and exciting partnership and we look forward to helping to grow the game in the area."

For more information on the Vale Sports Arena, call 07955270870 or email info@valesportsarena.co.uk.