06/08/09
The Turf gets Wrexham’s footballers to go ‘green’ before hitting the pitch
Staff and locals at one of Wrexham's most iconic pubs are urging the town's footballing stars to help the environment by adopting a ‘green' pre-season training regime ahead of their Blue Square League season on Saturday (8 August 2009).
The Turf Hotel and pub, on Mold Road next to the Racecourse football ground, is going ‘green' for the Welsh Assembly Government's Climate Change Challenge to help reduce Wales' carbon footprint and has got the Red Dragons in on the act.
Ahead of Wrexham's game against Eastbourne Borough, The Turf has converted Wrexham's players into environmentally-conscious footballers by getting them out of the electricity-run gym and training outdoors to help the planet and make exercise more fun.
Players joined Turf staff and regulars on Thursday (6 August 2009) for a lap around the Racecourse on their bikes to demonstrate the benefits of eco-friendly fitness.
Joint manager of the Turf Ian Jones, said: "As we cycled around the stadium we got a good view of the ground where hopefully the boys will be putting the ball in the back of the net on Saturday. Everyone can ditch the gym equipment and exercise outdoors. It's more fun, environmentally-friendly and the summer's the perfect time to give it a go.
"It's been a fantastic opportunity to share environmentally-friendly tips with the players. I hope their interest will encourage others in the community to think about how they can lower their carbon footprint. It's easier to do than you think, for example, just by using energy saving light bulbs you're helping the environment and also saving money - so you'll have more spare change for a pint!" he added.
Wrexham footballer Matty Wolfenden, said: "We've got an important game coming-up on the weekend and it's vital we're in peak condition. Training for any footballer is a major part of their life so it's great to get out of the gym on our bikes and help the environment at the same time.
"The guys at the Turf have been great and made us realise we could probably do a bit more to help the environment. I'll be looking to do my bit to go ‘greener' and I hope all the Wrexham fans will do the same. Even just boiling enough water to fill your half-time flask can help sustain the environment," he added.
The Turf Hotel, is one of three role model pubs across Wales that are going green for the Welsh Assembly Government's Climate Change Challenge. Over the coming months, the pub will be competing against The Grove in St David's and The Castle Inn in Caldicot to find innovative and exciting ways of reducing their carbon footprint. So far the pubs have done everything from changing to energy saving light bulbs to holding energy-saving acoustic nights.
The Challenge will run until the end of the year and be judged by a panel of climate change experts including Energy Saving Trust, Carbon Trust and Dwr Cymru. The winner, who will be chosen as a result of the effort they have put into the Challenge and the progress they have made, will be announced in December.
