Trade Centre Wales Ambassadors Bring Joy to Pen Y Bont School Visit

Tuesday 14th October 2025

Trade Centre Wales brand ambassadors Mike Doyle and Gareth “Alfie” Thomas brought smiles and excitement to Pen Y Bont School in Bridgend last week during a special visit to see the new play equipment & bike racks funded by Trade Centre Wales.

During their visit, Mike and Alfie were warmly welcomed by the Headteacher, who proudly showed them around the new play area. The equipment, donated by Trade Centre Wales, isn’t just for fun — it’s designed to encourage children to mix, share, and play together, helping to build friendships and confidence through outdoor play.

Both Alfie and Mike couldn’t resist joining in the fun themselves, chatting with pupils and teachers while enjoying the new facilities. The school’s staff expressed their heartfelt gratitude for Trade Centre Wales’ continued support.

The pair also posed for photos with the school’s new bike racks. The Headteacher shared hopes that these will inspire more pupils to cycle to school, especially as the school faces limited space for car drop-offs. Not only does this promote fitness and sustainability, but it also helps reduce congestion around the school gates.

The story behind this initiative is an inspiring one. Alfie originally visited Pen Y Bont to deliver a P.E. lesson and had given the children some simple outdoor activities as homework. When he returned a week later, he was surprised to find that none of the pupils had completed them. When he asked why, the children explained that many weren’t allowed outside after 5pm, or were too afraid to go out, as they live in a neighbourhood which some may describe as challenging and safety is a worry for families.

Deeply moved, Alfie & Mike shared the experience with Trade Centre Wales who immediately agreed to help by funding outdoor equipment so the children could play safely within the school grounds. The addition of the bike racks is another step toward giving pupils the freedom to enjoy active, healthy lifestyles.

Alfie explained how the visit made him feel; “Seeing the smiles on the children’s faces at Pen Y Bont School makes every bit of this worthwhile.”

Mark Bailey, Founder and Director of Trade Centre Wales explained how he is ‘passionate about supporting our communities — especially when it comes to giving children the chance to play, learn, and grow in a safe and happy environment’

It was a fun day for all involved. As Mike put it, “Alfie and I spent a lot of time talking and playing with the children of this wonderful school in Bridgend — and it’s clear that this kind of support from Trade Centre Wales really does make a difference.”