Scheme gives grant aid to sports groups (From Penarth Times)

Scheme gives grant aid to sports groups

A FURTHER 22 clubs and organisations are set to benefit from a scheme which has seen more than 300,000 pumped into sport and leisure activities in the Vale of Glamorgan since its inception seven years ago.

Run through the Vale Council, the local Community Chest scheme helps establish new opportunities or develop existing activities and is administered in the Vale by a special panel which meets regularly to assess applications meeting laid down criteria.

Grants can be to a top figure of 750 and recipients of the maximum in the latest round of awards include Cowbridge Bowling Club (purchase of a bowls wheelchair), Barry Amateur Swimming Club (coach education), Penarth Cricket Club (establishing an under-9s side) and Barry Athletic Tennis Club (increasing opportunities for young people).

Other grants went Sully Sports Colts Football Club (developing new teams and increasing opportunities for girls), Vale Referees' Society (providing a referees' handbook), Sully Sports Rugby Club (coach education), 2300 St Athan Squadron (increasing opportunities in hockey and orienteering), Cowbridge Comprehensive School (art and dance event), Llantwit Major Rugby Mini and Junior Section (establishing an under-17s side) and Barry Island Beach Volleyball Club (developing a junior section), WCKA Karate/Kick Boxing (establishing new opportunities for women), Gibbonsdown Residents' Board (offering opportunities to people with disabilities/limited mobility) and Vale Council (creating a healthier workplace).

Receiving grants to assist with the purchase of invaluable equipment were Penarth Gymnastics Club, Llantwit Surf Lifesaving Club, Barry Beavers Disabled Swimming Club, Llantwit Surf Lifesaving Club (Nippers Section), Llantwit.

Youth Centre, Llantwit Rugby Club, Llantwit Fencing Club and Whitmore Bay (Barry) Surf Life Saving Club

The Vale has been allocated a further 50,000-plus Community Chest funding for the next financial year from the Sports Council for Wales, and Vale Sports, Art and Play Development Manager Karen Davies urged all local clubs and organisations to apply. She said: "You may also qualify for funding which could assist your members, players, volunteers or staff. It really is worth finding out more to see if your club meets set criteria. "