VALE Council and Joe Ledley’s Football Academy joined forces to offer children attending sessions at Whitmore High School free healthy meals.

As part of its Sustainable Communities for Learning programme, the Vale of Glamorgan Council is committed to providing top class educational facilities for the whole community – including allowing Joe Ledley’s football academy to use Whitmore High School’s 4G pitch for free.

In return, they offered those taking part a discounted rate, while children who might not otherwise have been able to attend were sponsored by the Council’s Big Fresh Catering Company.

Big Fresh also provided lunch and snacks, while football coaches gave talks on the importance of healthy eating.

Barry And District News:

Vale of Glamorgan Council cabinet member for education, arts and the Welsh language, Cllr Rhiannon Birch, said:

“Sadly, many people are already experiencing food poverty and this problem will only intensify as the cost-of-living crisis continues.

“The Council’s Big Fresh catering company offered all those attending the football sessions free nutritious food and snacks regardless of their personal circumstances.

“This is the latest example of the widespread positive impact Big Fresh is having since it was established three years ago.”

Big Fresh’s innovative business model sees it operate as a Local Authority Trading Company, meaning it is a commercial entity.

Supplying healthy meals for partner schools, the company also provides an outside catering service, operates a street food trailer, and runs the Big Fresh Café on Penarth Pier.

All profits are returned to schools and the business itself. Money has been used to improve school meals, pay for football kits, and fund other projects - including an al fresco dining area at Barry Island Primary.

Chairman and owner of Joe Ledley Football Academy, Joe Ledley, said: “I’m delighted that we have been able to work so effectively with the council and bring the academy to Barry at a reduced price.

“All three of our four-day courses were well attended, with children learning about nutrition as well as football.

“There were talks about healthy diet, foods and drinks to consume while playing sports and the right diet to help with recovery.

“Big Fresh Catering Company also delivered lunch and snacks to keep everyone performing at their best.”