0:00:00 > 0:00:00- Subtitles
0:00:00 > 0:00:02- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:00:02 > 0:00:07- The story of Welsh football - is one worth telling.
0:00:07 > 0:00:10- Like in all good stories, - there are heroes...
0:00:10 > 0:00:12- ..and villains.
0:00:13 > 0:00:17- There are tough, physical battles...
0:00:18 > 0:00:20- ..and emotional ones.
0:00:21 > 0:00:24- In the series, - I'll visit village grounds...
0:00:25 > 0:00:26- Save!
0:00:26 > 0:00:28- ..and city stadiums.
0:00:28 > 0:00:32- I'll meet the people - who helped shape the game in Wales.
0:00:53 > 0:00:55- For more and more people...
0:00:56 > 0:01:00- ..watching football - is associated with places like this.
0:01:00 > 0:01:04- Modern, all-seater stadiums - with corporate facilities...
0:01:04 > 0:01:08- ..bars, places to eat - and conference rooms.
0:01:08 > 0:01:10- But that's not how things were.
0:01:11 > 0:01:12- In the early days...
0:01:12 > 0:01:16- ..football grounds - came about mainly by chance.
0:01:17 > 0:01:20- They certainly didn't show - signs of planning.
0:01:23 > 0:01:27- Looking back at the earliest film - of an international game...
0:01:27 > 0:01:31- ..between Wales and Ireland, - in Wrexham in 1906...
0:01:31 > 0:01:34- ..the Turf pub was - the closest thing to a stand.
0:01:35 > 0:01:37- Most of the crowd - stood on benches...
0:01:38 > 0:01:40- ..or a slope round the field.
0:01:43 > 0:01:48- Apart from the Racecourse and more - recently, Cardiff City Stadium...
0:01:48 > 0:01:51- ..Wales played home games...
0:01:51 > 0:01:54- ..on pitches that have long gone.
0:01:54 > 0:01:56- Some were in unexpected places.
0:01:57 > 0:02:01- Most people probably remember - the Vetch and Ninian Park.
0:02:02 > 0:02:04- What about the others?
0:02:04 > 0:02:07- I've come to Penrhyn Castle, - near Bangor...
0:02:07 > 0:02:11- ..to learn more from football - historian, Phil Stead.
0:02:12 > 0:02:16- Believe it or not, an international - game was held here, in 1892.
0:02:16 > 0:02:21- The FAW wanted to broaden the game's - appeal, so they came to Bangor.
0:02:22 > 0:02:24- But it wasn't a great success.
0:02:24 > 0:02:28- People came by train to Bangor - Station, then walked up here.
0:02:29 > 0:02:32- There were about 4,000 here - before the kick-off.
0:02:33 > 0:02:37- They succeeded in pushing - the gate down and everyone went in.
0:02:37 > 0:02:39- The FAW lost money.
0:02:39 > 0:02:41- They didn't return for a long time.
0:02:41 > 0:02:42- They didn't return for a long time.- - Because they didn't pay.
0:02:43 > 0:02:45- Did they ever return to Bangor?
0:02:45 > 0:02:47- Did they ever return to Bangor?- - Yes, twelve years later.
0:02:47 > 0:02:52- They went to the town's old - cricket ground in Farrar Road...
0:02:52 > 0:02:55- ..where Bangor City used to play.
0:02:55 > 0:02:58- There were problems there too.
0:02:58 > 0:03:00- The ground was in the town centre.
0:03:01 > 0:03:04- Many watched from - the High Street, without paying...
0:03:05 > 0:03:07- ..or from the school roof.
0:03:07 > 0:03:12- People in neighbouring houses - built platforms in their gardens.
0:03:12 > 0:03:16- They charged people - for watching over the wall.
0:03:16 > 0:03:19- The FAW lost money again - and never returned.
0:03:20 > 0:03:26- Are there more unexpected - places where Wales played?
0:03:26 > 0:03:32- After leaving Wrexham, - they tried playing games in England.
0:03:32 > 0:03:35- They played in Crewe and Shrewsbury.
0:03:36 > 0:03:39- Both places had big train stations.
0:03:39 > 0:03:44- They hoped that a lot of people - would travel there. It didn't work.
0:03:44 > 0:03:46- Two games were played in Llandudno.
0:03:47 > 0:03:51- The Association also - had an eye on South Wales's money.
0:03:51 > 0:03:55- Wales's rugby team - had a crowd of 20,000.
0:03:55 > 0:04:00- They went to play in Swansea, not - at the Vetch, but St Helen's Ground.
0:04:00 > 0:04:04- They had to borrow - the Vetch's posts for the goals.
0:04:04 > 0:04:07- It didn't work - at The Arms Park either.
0:04:07 > 0:04:09- They had crowds of up to 6,000...
0:04:10 > 0:04:13- ..but nowhere near - the figure for rugby.
0:04:13 > 0:04:17- Then they tried Aberdare, - where they were very successful.
0:04:17 > 0:04:20- They had 15,000 spectators.
0:04:20 > 0:04:24- Unfortunately, - they never played there again.
0:04:24 > 0:04:28- Ninian Park was built - and they were happy there.
0:04:28 > 0:04:32- They played there - and at the Racecourse for decades.
0:04:32 > 0:04:36- We won't see another game - at Penrhyn Castle.
0:04:36 > 0:04:37- No, I'm sure of that.
0:04:37 > 0:04:39- No, I'm sure of that.- - I don't think we want to, either.
0:04:41 > 0:04:45- It would be odd to visit Bangor - and not go to Farrar Road.
0:04:45 > 0:04:50- But it's a supermarket now, - not a football ground.
0:04:52 > 0:04:57- Believe it or not, Napoli - and Atletico Madrid played here.
0:04:57 > 0:05:00- I never went to Farrar Road.
0:05:00 > 0:05:02- I'm not sure where the goals were.
0:05:02 > 0:05:06- Maybe it was in the middle - of the fruit and veg.
0:05:06 > 0:05:11- The Bangor team had a home game - at their new ground, Nantporth.
0:05:11 > 0:05:13- It's on the city outskirts.
0:05:13 > 0:05:18- I'd missed the kick-off, but went - to see the game against Port Talbot.
0:05:18 > 0:05:18- Hi.
0:05:18 > 0:05:19- Hi.- - OK. You?
0:05:20 > 0:05:22- Not bad, thanks.
0:05:28 > 0:05:29- Hi, Gwyn. You OK?
0:05:30 > 0:05:31- Yes, thanks.
0:05:31 > 0:05:33- What's the score?
0:05:33 > 0:05:35- No score, it's 0-0.
0:05:39 > 0:05:40- This is a nice stadium.
0:05:40 > 0:05:41- This is a nice stadium.- - Yes.
0:05:41 > 0:05:43- Did you miss Farrar Road?
0:05:43 > 0:05:46- I did, but only - for the first six weeks.
0:05:46 > 0:05:48- The Farrar Road Fortress!
0:05:49 > 0:05:51- We felt very much at home there.
0:05:52 > 0:05:56- There were huge, - famous games in Farrar Road.
0:05:56 > 0:06:00- Yes. I'm old enough to remember - the Naples, or Napoli, game.
0:06:01 > 0:06:05- What do the people of Bangor - think about football fever?
0:06:06 > 0:06:10- We've got a good chance - against Naples. We have a good team.
0:06:11 > 0:06:14- I'm still very - interested in football.
0:06:15 > 0:06:18- Mrs Antoniazzi, - who do you think will win?
0:06:18 > 0:06:23- I hope it's a draw, because I love - both countries, Italy and Wales.
0:06:23 > 0:06:24- Excellent.
0:06:25 > 0:06:26- Bangor City to win, 4-1.
0:06:26 > 0:06:28- Bangor City to win, 4-1.- - Anything else?
0:06:28 > 0:06:31- They've got the best defence - in the Cheshire League.
0:06:32 > 0:06:33- Good lad.
0:06:36 > 0:06:37- How are you?
0:06:37 > 0:06:39- How are you?
0:06:44 > 0:06:46- Glenda, how are you?
0:06:46 > 0:06:47- Hello.
0:06:47 > 0:06:48- How are you?
0:06:49 > 0:06:50- Fine, thanks. You?
0:06:56 > 0:06:58- Gwynfor, you're the club secretary.
0:06:59 > 0:07:03- You have an important job, noting - every booking and substitution.
0:07:03 > 0:07:07- It's crazy, - I have to record everything.
0:07:08 > 0:07:10- I phone Betfred, 365 and Sky.
0:07:10 > 0:07:13- If there's a mistake, I get blamed!
0:07:13 > 0:07:18- The pitch and stadium look good. - Do you miss Farrar Road?
0:07:18 > 0:07:21- Definitely. - I went there for 40 years.
0:07:21 > 0:07:25- Dad took me when I was four. - I know I don't look that old.
0:07:25 > 0:07:30- I miss it, but we enjoy - the facilities here.
0:07:30 > 0:07:33- Like now, we're winning 1-0.
0:07:33 > 0:07:36- I'll go, in case you miss something.
0:07:36 > 0:07:37- I'll go, in case you miss something.- - OK. Bye.
0:07:38 > 0:07:40- APPLAUSE
0:07:40 > 0:07:42- Hey!
0:07:44 > 0:07:49- Bangor beat Napoli 2-0 - on that historical day in 1962.
0:07:50 > 0:07:55- But after a promising start, - they lost 2-1 to Port Talbot.
0:08:00 > 0:08:04- Bangor isn't the only Welsh club - to move from its old home.
0:08:05 > 0:08:09- Swansea's Vetch Ground - hosted the last game, in 2005.
0:08:10 > 0:08:14- The Swans moved to the Liberty - Stadium on the city outskirts.
0:08:14 > 0:08:17- It's been their home - ground for a decade.
0:08:18 > 0:08:21- But some people - still miss the old Vetch.
0:08:28 > 0:08:30- The stadium was part of the game.
0:08:30 > 0:08:35- It was more than just a place to - watch the game. It was part of you.
0:08:35 > 0:08:38- I always stood in the same place...
0:08:38 > 0:08:41- ..with the same people - round me every week.
0:08:41 > 0:08:44- It was my spot. - It was important to me.
0:08:44 > 0:08:47- We lost something when we moved.
0:08:47 > 0:08:51- The Vetch was a mess. - It was part of the attraction.
0:08:51 > 0:08:53- We'd grown up going there.
0:08:54 > 0:08:58- When we moved, we lost - not just part of the club history...
0:08:58 > 0:09:00- ..but part of our own story too.
0:09:01 > 0:09:02- It has made it very hard.
0:09:03 > 0:09:08- The football is better, the sight - lines too and it's more comfortable.
0:09:08 > 0:09:13- But deep down, I preferred - standing in a mess in the Vetch...
0:09:13 > 0:09:15- ..watching a mediocre team.
0:09:15 > 0:09:19- The Vetch Ground got - its name from the vetch plant...
0:09:19 > 0:09:22- ..grown here - long ago to feed animals.
0:09:23 > 0:09:25- The stadium was demolished in 2011.
0:09:25 > 0:09:27- The wheel has turned.
0:09:27 > 0:09:31- It's a park now, - with allotments in one section.
0:09:31 > 0:09:36- I've come to meet Cath Dyer, a Swans - supporter since the early 1980s.
0:09:38 > 0:09:40- Cath, the Vetch used to be here.
0:09:41 > 0:09:43- What was special about it?
0:09:46 > 0:09:49- I was 16 the first time I came here.
0:09:49 > 0:09:52- I came with a friend. - I'd never been to a match.
0:09:52 > 0:09:56- It was the atmosphere, - the whole place.
0:09:56 > 0:09:59- The games, everything was special.
0:09:59 > 0:10:04- They've kept the centre circle - and planted flowers there.
0:10:05 > 0:10:08- Can you describe the set-up?
0:10:08 > 0:10:11- The goals were there and there.
0:10:11 > 0:10:13- The old North Bank was there.
0:10:14 > 0:10:16- The Centre Stand was here.
0:10:16 > 0:10:18- The players came on here too.
0:10:18 > 0:10:19- The players came on here too.- - Right.
0:10:19 > 0:10:21- Where did you stand?
0:10:22 > 0:10:26- In the North Bank, - right in the corner.
0:10:26 > 0:10:28- You remember exactly where.
0:10:28 > 0:10:30- I came here so often.
0:10:30 > 0:10:33- What were the facilities like?
0:10:34 > 0:10:37- There was a shop - in one of the houses.
0:10:37 > 0:10:39- Myra ran the shop.
0:10:40 > 0:10:45- She kept the money in - a chocolate box behind the counter.
0:10:45 > 0:10:48- There was a disco - just up the road, Harpers.
0:10:49 > 0:10:54- They held discos for the players. - Supporters went there to see them.
0:10:54 > 0:10:59- We could talk and dance with them, - and get their autographs.
0:10:59 > 0:11:01- You have some photos.
0:11:01 > 0:11:02- Yes, old photos.
0:11:03 > 0:11:04- Who are they?
0:11:04 > 0:11:06- Who are they?- - Alan Curtis, back in 1981.
0:11:06 > 0:11:08- Alan Curtis again.
0:11:09 > 0:11:10- Colin Pascoe.
0:11:10 > 0:11:12- He went to Liverpool with Brendan.
0:11:13 > 0:11:16- Ray Kennedy, - drinking a whisky or something.
0:11:16 > 0:11:17- LAUGHTER
0:11:17 > 0:11:20- There are a few - of the old Vetch too.
0:11:21 > 0:11:23- These were open days.
0:11:26 > 0:11:27- That's you.
0:11:27 > 0:11:29- Now, it's the Liberty Stadium.
0:11:29 > 0:11:32- What do you think about it?
0:11:32 > 0:11:34- I like the Liberty now.
0:11:35 > 0:11:39- The Vetch was special. But there - are new memories at the Liberty.
0:11:40 > 0:11:41- It's becoming special.
0:11:41 > 0:11:43- It's becoming special.- - New supporters go there now.
0:11:44 > 0:11:48- Many don't remember the Vetch. - It's the start for them.
0:11:48 > 0:11:52- A lot has changed - where we sit, in the family stand.
0:11:52 > 0:11:56- Children growing up now - have never seen the Vetch.
0:11:56 > 0:11:58- New memories begin.
0:11:58 > 0:11:59- .
0:12:06 > 0:12:06- Subtitles
0:12:06 > 0:12:08- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:12:13 > 0:12:15- Ninian Park, Cardiff.
0:12:16 > 0:12:20- This was one of Wales's - most famous football grounds.
0:12:20 > 0:12:24- The stadium made way - for a housing estate.
0:12:27 > 0:12:29- This was the centre spot.
0:12:35 > 0:12:39- Cardiff City Stadium is a stone's - throw from the old Ninian Park.
0:12:40 > 0:12:44- The Bluebirds - brought the gates with them.
0:12:45 > 0:12:50- It's a memorial to the old ground, - the fans and players who have gone.
0:12:50 > 0:12:53- It's where - I arranged to meet Huw Owen.
0:12:54 > 0:12:57- He's one of the club's - most loyal fans.
0:12:57 > 0:13:02- Only the gates still stand. - But you remember quite a bit more.
0:13:03 > 0:13:06- I went there for over 40 years.
0:13:06 > 0:13:08- Over 40 years!
0:13:09 > 0:13:11- I started going with my father.
0:13:11 > 0:13:14- I took my son for ten years.
0:13:14 > 0:13:16- That's three generations.
0:13:16 > 0:13:20- In my teens, I went with my mates.
0:13:21 > 0:13:25- Dad stopped coming. - Then I went with college friends.
0:13:25 > 0:13:28- Looking back over 40 years...
0:13:28 > 0:13:32- ..the company I kept - continually changed.
0:13:32 > 0:13:35- Describe your usual match day.
0:13:36 > 0:13:38- How did you get here?
0:13:38 > 0:13:41- I arrived 45 minutes - before kick-off.
0:13:41 > 0:13:44- There were bands playing.
0:13:44 > 0:13:49- My father and I would have a corned - beef pasty and a custard slice.
0:13:49 > 0:13:51- We stopped to eat on the way.
0:13:51 > 0:13:54- I sat on the wall in the front.
0:13:54 > 0:13:58- You can't go anywhere near it now. - People can't stand even.
0:13:58 > 0:14:02- I was allowed to go to - the Grange End when I was older.
0:14:03 > 0:14:05- I went in that end.
0:14:06 > 0:14:08- What was the Grange End like?
0:14:09 > 0:14:13- I was always in the Grange - or Bob Bank.
0:14:14 > 0:14:18- The Bob Bank - was verging on the primitive!
0:14:18 > 0:14:22- The Grange was black and dark.
0:14:22 > 0:14:27- And the smell! I couldn't - begin to describe the smell.
0:14:28 > 0:14:32- They were mostly illegal substances!
0:14:33 > 0:14:35- The rest was just downright nasty!
0:14:36 > 0:14:38- That's what I remember.
0:14:38 > 0:14:40- And the noise!
0:14:40 > 0:14:45- There was no noise like it anywhere - in the world. It was unique.
0:14:45 > 0:14:48- Do you remember - the chants and songs?
0:14:48 > 0:14:50- I can't repeat them.
0:14:52 > 0:14:53- It's after the watershed.
0:14:53 > 0:14:55- It's after the watershed.- - Fine!
0:14:56 > 0:14:59- # Cardiff City FC
0:14:59 > 0:15:02- # We're the greatest team - in football
0:15:03 > 0:15:05- # The world has ever seen #
0:15:05 > 0:15:09- There were a hundred years - of memories here.
0:15:10 > 0:15:14- Through the turnstiles for - the last time. The end of an era.
0:15:14 > 0:15:18- Making Ninian Park safe...
0:15:19 > 0:15:23- ..to comply with - Health and Safety regulations...
0:15:23 > 0:15:28- ..would have been more expensive - than building a new stadium.
0:15:28 > 0:15:31- It made financial sense to move.
0:15:31 > 0:15:36- Future generations - will discover the history.
0:15:36 > 0:15:38- I'm sure.
0:15:38 > 0:15:43- In ten years' time, you'll be - singing the new stadium's praises.
0:15:44 > 0:15:45- I'm sure.
0:15:45 > 0:15:48- What we're talking about...
0:15:48 > 0:15:52- ..is what it's like - to support a football team...
0:15:52 > 0:15:55- ..and identifying with a team.
0:15:55 > 0:15:59- The old, unique stadium, - is an integral part of that.
0:15:59 > 0:16:01- We didn't realize it.
0:16:02 > 0:16:07- These clubs - were for the communities.
0:16:08 > 0:16:12- Nowadays, - they're money-making machines.
0:16:15 > 0:16:20- Nigel Vaughan, a quick ball in, a - chance for Lowndes. Beautiful goal.
0:16:20 > 0:16:25- Somerton Park, home of 77 years - of memories for Newport County.
0:16:25 > 0:16:30- But no more. The ground is deserted, - the club wound up by the High Court.
0:16:30 > 0:16:35- If Bangor, Swansea and Cardiff - fans miss their old homes...
0:16:35 > 0:16:41- ..Newport supporters not only - lost Somerton Park stadium...
0:16:41 > 0:16:43- ..but the club itself.
0:16:44 > 0:16:47- In 1980, the club was doing well.
0:16:47 > 0:16:52- They were promoted to the old Third - Division and won the Welsh Cup.
0:16:52 > 0:16:58- In 1981, they reached the semi-final - of the Cup Winners' Cup in Europe.
0:16:58 > 0:17:02- But Newport County ran - into financial difficulties.
0:17:03 > 0:17:08- In 1988, the American - Jerry Sherman and his company JLA...
0:17:08 > 0:17:11- ..offered to save the club.
0:17:11 > 0:17:14- If we can pull Newport - out of shtuck...
0:17:14 > 0:17:17- ..what can we do for your business?
0:17:17 > 0:17:19- That's the way we're looking at it.
0:17:19 > 0:17:24- Not only can I do that as JLA, so - can you with your own local clients.
0:17:25 > 0:17:28- That's what we'll - push for Newport County.
0:17:33 > 0:17:37- But Sherman failed to keep - his promises. The club went bust.
0:17:38 > 0:17:41- Houses were built on Somerton Park.
0:17:41 > 0:17:44- The club's property - was sold at auction.
0:17:46 > 0:17:48- Lot 103...
0:17:49 > 0:17:51- ..is a large quantity - of black armbands.
0:17:52 > 0:17:57- Must be worth something. They - must be worth a pound to someone.
0:17:57 > 0:17:59- BIDDING STARTS
0:17:59 > 0:18:02- One pound fifty I'll take.
0:18:03 > 0:18:05- One pound, to 74.
0:18:05 > 0:18:07- Saddest day of my life.
0:18:08 > 0:18:11- What's it like, - seeing these things being sold off?
0:18:11 > 0:18:15- Heartbreaking. - The supporters are good supporters.
0:18:15 > 0:18:18- People from outside... ..very bad.
0:18:18 > 0:18:21- Goalkeeper's shirt going for 19.
0:18:21 > 0:18:22- Unbelievable.
0:18:25 > 0:18:28- A new club was formed - in Newport soon after.
0:18:29 > 0:18:34- In 2013, they were promoted back - to League Two in the English league.
0:18:38 > 0:18:42- The stadiums and stands - are important to fans.
0:18:43 > 0:18:46- However, if the field itself - is of a poor standard...
0:18:47 > 0:18:49- ..the standard of play suffers.
0:18:49 > 0:18:53- You can't play tiki-taka - on a potato field.
0:18:54 > 0:18:58- The days when teams splashed - in puddles in midwinter...
0:18:58 > 0:19:03- ..and the goalposts stood in - a sea of mud are fast disappearing.
0:19:05 > 0:19:10- I've come to Latham Park, Newtown, - to meet Gareth Owen.
0:19:10 > 0:19:12- He looks after the pitch.
0:19:12 > 0:19:16- It's an artificial, 3G pitch.
0:19:17 > 0:19:20- Newtown are playing Airbus tonight.
0:19:20 > 0:19:25- These two clubs had 3G - after the New Saints.
0:19:26 > 0:19:30- What exactly is 3G? - What is it made of?
0:19:30 > 0:19:31- It's plastic.
0:19:32 > 0:19:35- There's a 25mm shock pad under this.
0:19:36 > 0:19:39- This carpet is on top of that.
0:19:39 > 0:19:42- There are 100 tons of sand...
0:19:42 > 0:19:46- ..and 80 tons of rubber crumbs.
0:19:46 > 0:19:51- We leave about 15mm of grass.
0:19:52 > 0:19:54- We can maintain it like this.
0:19:55 > 0:19:58- The ball bounces and runs great.
0:19:58 > 0:20:00- Astro turf used to be popular.
0:20:01 > 0:20:06- QPR had it in Loftus Road. Players - complained the bounce was different.
0:20:06 > 0:20:09- It bounced up to about there!
0:20:09 > 0:20:11- It bounced up to about there!- - It's not true of the new stuff.
0:20:11 > 0:20:16- The pitch looks nice and green - all season.
0:20:16 > 0:20:20- The ball bounces - through the season.
0:20:20 > 0:20:23- Does it make your job easier?
0:20:24 > 0:20:25- It's easier.
0:20:25 > 0:20:29- I don't have come on Sunday mornings - to put the divots back.
0:20:30 > 0:20:32- But there's still plenty to do.
0:20:32 > 0:20:35- There are leaves here.
0:20:36 > 0:20:38- I sweep them up.
0:20:38 > 0:20:41- What else do you pick up?
0:20:41 > 0:20:43- Chewing gum, bottle tops...
0:20:44 > 0:20:47- ..all sorts of things, even wallets!
0:20:48 > 0:20:51- The field is used every night.
0:20:51 > 0:20:53- It makes your job easy.
0:20:53 > 0:20:59- Easier. I can sit down - rather than walk with the mower.
0:20:59 > 0:21:01- I've gained weight!
0:21:02 > 0:21:06- Newtown is doing well. - You finished sixth last year.
0:21:06 > 0:21:08- You reached the final.
0:21:09 > 0:21:13- Copenhagen recently played here.
0:21:13 > 0:21:15- It's going well.
0:21:15 > 0:21:17- It's going well.- - And Valletta.
0:21:17 > 0:21:20- It's made a big difference.
0:21:21 > 0:21:25- The players train - on Tuesdays and Thursdays...
0:21:25 > 0:21:29- ..without having to worry - about the state of the pitch.
0:21:30 > 0:21:32- The Football Association of Wales...
0:21:33 > 0:21:37- ..is keen for our main clubs - to embrace this technology.
0:21:40 > 0:21:44- Half the pitches of the Dafabet - Welsh Premier League...
0:21:44 > 0:21:46- ..will be 3G next year.
0:21:47 > 0:21:51- It's brought the clubs - closer to their communities...
0:21:51 > 0:21:55- ..as well as offering - a means to make extra income.
0:21:55 > 0:21:57- The clubs are more sustainable.
0:21:57 > 0:22:00- Games can be played in all weathers.
0:22:00 > 0:22:03- That helps me - when I'm arranging fixtures!
0:22:03 > 0:22:06- If we take Newtown as an example...
0:22:06 > 0:22:11- ..their business plan stipulated - using the pitch 70% of the time.
0:22:12 > 0:22:16- The last I heard, it was 93%.
0:22:16 > 0:22:19- Imagine the money - that's generated...
0:22:19 > 0:22:24- ..being spent in the bar, by - parents whose children play there.
0:22:24 > 0:22:29- 3G is a resounding success for the - development of the domestic game.
0:22:31 > 0:22:35- I came back to Latham Park that - night for the Newtown v Airbus game.
0:22:36 > 0:22:40- It's another club in - the Dafabet Welsh Premier League...
0:22:40 > 0:22:44- ..that has invested - in this pioneering pitch.
0:22:47 > 0:22:50- With the two teams - playing so well...
0:22:50 > 0:22:54- ..I soon forgot it - was an artificial field.
0:22:57 > 0:23:01- To traditionalists, - it'll never replace grass.
0:23:01 > 0:23:03- There's a lot to be said for it.
0:23:05 > 0:23:07- But football fans are sentimental.
0:23:08 > 0:23:11- Losing the atmosphere, - spirit and history...
0:23:11 > 0:23:15- ..of the old grounds and stadiums - can hurt.
0:23:15 > 0:23:19- But football, like everything else, - moves with the times.
0:23:19 > 0:23:23- We'll always have - the stories and the memories.
0:23:23 > 0:23:26- After all, - it's in these new stadiums...
0:23:26 > 0:23:30- ..that new stories and memories - will begin to be made.
0:23:46 > 0:23:49- S4C Subtitles by Gwead
0:23:49 > 0:23:50- .