More than £2 million in grant funding was awarded during 2020/2021 to sports clubs in Pembrokeshire which experienced financial difficulties because of Covid-19.

The funding came from a variety of sources and was awarded to 120 clubs, ranging from swimming to rugby, cricket, football, gymnastics, golf, rowing, athletics, weightlifting, netball and many more.

The sources of funding were as follows:
  *Sport Wales ‘Emergency Relief Fund’  (£76,428)
* Sport Wales ‘Be Active Wales Fund Progress’ (£219,457)
*Rate Relief Scheme, administered through Pembrokeshire County Council  (£1,742,177)
* ECB / Cricket Wales (£50,000)
* Total  £2,088,127

Cabinet member Miller delighted

Cllr Paul Miller, Cabinet Member for Economy, Tourism, Leisure and Culture, said: “The past 15 months or so have been very challenging financially for sports clubs and it’s great to hear that so many have applied for, and been successful, in receiving funding to enable them to keep going.

“In many cases, clubs have also taken the opportunity to invest in long-overdue improvements or new facilities which is also extremely good news.

“With some sporting fixtures once again starting to take place, albeit on a restricted basis, we are looking forward to when we can enjoy taking part in, practising and watching sport more and more as time goes on.”

Wide range of support offered, from Boxing and Surf Life Saving . . .

Among the many clubs receiving grant funding is Pembroke & Pembroke Dock Amateur Boxing Club. Chris McEwan said it had ‘kept the club alive’ by enabling it to install a disabled toilet and wet room to make the club more accessible and inclusive. The work was carried out by local builders.

At Tenby Surf Lifesaving Club, grant funding was used to undertake essential maintenance work on the clubhouse as well as purchase some new equipment - ‘future proofing the club for years to come’, according to Ian Badham. 

. . . To Football and Cricket

Work has also taken place at Clarbeston Road AFC. Steve Brown said: “We are very grateful for the support we have received from the Sport Wales Be Active Wales Fund. Being able to purchase portable floodlights will give us extra flexibility for running evening training sessions on our four pitches and help support our programme for getting our members back to football after such a long break. They will also help us to host community events, as and when restrictions allow, providing wider local benefits.”

Also benefiting from grant funding is Pembroke Dock Cricket Club. Andrew Scott-Davies said: “The grant has been a tremendous windfall as the club can now plan to build a new changing room which is desperately needed. Work will be carried out by a local builder with labour provided by club members.”

Alan and Lois are ready and waiting to help

*The Sport Wales Be Active Wales Fund remains open for applications. With restrictions lifting and clubs returning to play, if your club is considering an application please contact Alan Jones or Lois Hilling at sport@pembrokeshire.gov.uk for advice before submitting your application.  A point of note is that Sport Wales will only consider one application per club, per financial year, so clubs really need to think ahead.

Good advice that might help prospective applicants:

·         Sport Wales Emergency Relief Fund helps clubs pay ongoing costs such as rent, utility bills, insurances, ground maintenance to ensure that clubs were able to survive through the uncertain, difficult period
·         Be Active Wales Fund – Progress – helps develop clubs through innovative ideas, addressing long term sustainability and inequalities. It aims to get people active – on the pitch, on the water, on the course etc.