A funding initiative has been established in Bridgend to assist grassroots sports clubs and community groups in expanding physical activity opportunities throughout the area.
Bridgend County Borough Council has introduced the Support for Sport Fund, which provides grants of up to one thousand pounds to eligible organisations.
The programme is designed to benefit projects focused on sport and physical activity at the community level, serving individuals across all age groups and capability levels.
Applications are welcome from constituted sports clubs, organisations affiliated with relevant National Governing Bodies, community groups and charitable voluntary organisations operating within the Bridgend County Borough boundary.
Successful applicants may receive funding of up to one thousand pounds per financial year, with one submission permitted per organisation depending on available resources.
Financial support can be directed toward various purposes including the purchase of sporting equipment, delivery of introductory sessions, education and development of volunteers, coaches and officials, equipment supporting inclusive participation for disabled individuals, community sporting occasions, rental of facilities for newly introduced activities, marketing materials aimed at boosting engagement and initial expenses for emerging community sport ventures.
According to the council, the initiative seeks to broaden involvement in sport and physical activity, enhance provision for groups currently under-represented and contribute to the development of healthier and more cohesive communities.
Councillor Jane Gebbie, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Social Services, Health and Wellbeing, stated that local sports clubs and community groups perform valuable work in enabling residents to participate in physical activity and strengthening neighbourhood connections.
She explained that the funding would provide additional resources to enhance existing activities, enabling greater numbers of people to become active, build social connections and experience the advantages associated with regular participation.
She urged clubs and community organisations throughout Bridgend County Borough to investigate whether the fund might assist their plans.
The establishment of this fund coincides with investment by the council and Sport Wales’ Capital Investment Fund in outdoor amenities at Brackla Sports Centre, located at Archbishop McGrath Catholic School.
The two former hard court areas have been transformed into a single all-weather surface suitable for multiple sports, complete with modern LED floodlighting that facilitates evening use while minimising energy consumption.
The upgraded facilities will serve school students, neighbourhood sports clubs and community organisations, accommodating an expanded variety of sports disciplines, holiday activity programmes and sessions operating outside regular school hours.
Comprehensive eligibility requirements and application procedures can be found on the council’s Support for Sport Fund webpage.