OVER £1MILLION FOR CARMARTHENSHIRE SPORTS CLUBS

Over £1million has been awarded to Carmarthenshire clubs and organisations through the Sports Wales Community Chest grant.

Almost 1,000 local clubs or organisations have benefitted from the funding since the grant was introduced in 1999.

Now there is an opportunity for more people to take advantage of the scheme and apply for grants of up to £1,500.

Applications are invited from sports clubs or associations, youth clubs or community groups.

Sports including basketball, squash, archery, gymnastics and canoeing have all been successful with their applications in the past.

Towy Riders Cycling club, based in Carmarthen was awarded £1,352 in April 2015 towards developing and increasing the number of coaches.

A club member said: “As a result the Saturday Go Ride sessions are now split into three ability groups enabling the coaches to provide a more specific coaching session.”

Seaside AFC in Llanelli was awarded £1,015 in August 2015 towards the setting up of a new U16s team.

Club secretary Darren Evans said “The club has improved as we have all juniors teams from sevens to 16s.”

Llandybie Tennis club was awarded £574 in October 2015 towards increasing their female membership.

Anthony Davies, secretary and treasurer of the club, said: “With this increase in funding we hope to attract further members.”

Clubs and organisations that are focusing on the following projects are especially encouraged to apply this year:

• Increasing and developing women and girls’ participation
• Improving and developing a child’s physical literacy through fundamental skills
• Projects that are inclusive

The grants are administered by Carmarthenshire County Council and applicants are encouraged to contact the Active Young People team for advice and support before submitting their application.

Applications can be made online and are available via the Sports Wales website, www.sport.wales