In a move blending the worlds of football and gaming, Pontypridd United FC has joined forces with Welsh esports organisation Pit Ponies, marking a first-of-its-kind collaboration in the Welsh football pyramid. The partnership aims to connect the fields of traditional sport and the fast-evolving esports scene while spotlighting local talent in Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT).
As part of the crosscultural merger, Pontypridd United’s players, from first-team stars to academy hopefuls, will enter into the esports realm via inhouse tournaments, hosted by Pit Ponies. The idea is to give players a chance to compete against teammates in games like EA Sports FC, bridging their love for football with the gaming world. The partnership also aims to open doors for young people in the region, fostering skill-building opportunities in both arenas.
A newcomer on the esports scene, Pit Ponies, founded in 2023, takes its name from the coalmining heritage of the RCT region. The organisation competes in the Esports Wales League, fielding teams across games including Valorant, Rocket League, and League Of Legends. Their partnership with Pontypridd United underscores a shared commitment to supporting local communities while embracing innovation.
Darren Haines, Commercial Director for Pontypridd United, highlighted the potential for this collaboration to unite audiences from both sectors: “Both clubs focus on creating opportunities for young people to thrive within their environments. The partnership hopes to […] engage new audiences and showcase the talent of our area, in both physical and virtual stages. We look forward to seeing how we can be mutually successful both on the pitch and online.”
Pit Ponies committee member Cerith Dennis echoes the sentiment: “As we look to develop as an organisation, we believe this is a huge step in the right direction.”
Info: pontypriddunited.co.uk / Pit Ponies on Twitter
words HANNAH COLLINS
