A TOTAL of 76 local sports clubs and organisations were awarded funding totalling £83,614 in the past year thanks to the Vale of Glamorgan council's Community Chest scheme.

The awards covered 30 sports and physical activity opportunities including gymnastics, surf lifesaving, and taekwondo, and the funding was used to help with the costs of things such as initial venue hire, purchase of equipment, and education of coaches and officials.

And clubs are set to continue to benefit as the Vale has been awarded funding for another year. As with the previous year, organisations can apply for funding to create new or further develop existing opportunities.

The Community Chest scheme is a Sports Wales initiative, managed locally by the Vale of Glamorgan Council’s Sports and Play Development Team. The scheme offers start-up grants of up to £1500 for community sport projects that encourage more people to be more active more often and to raise the standard of existing activities.

All Community Chest applications are considered by a panel of volunteer community members, a Sports Wales representative and Vale Council representatives that meets every two months to consider applications.

The deadline for applications for the next Community Chest panel meeting is May 21. Any club or organisation with a proposal for a project to develop sport opportunities can contact Karen Davies, Sports and Play Development Manager, on 01446 704793.

Further information regarding sports development can be found on the Vale Council website at www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk/sportsandplay, or to receive updated news regarding sports development, follow the team on twitter @valesportsnews.