'Chest' holds the key to improving sporting opportunities

 

Fourteen Vale of Glamorgan-based clubs and organisations are benefiting from a special funding package of nearly £12,000.

 

The grants, which are the first of the new financial year, have been agreed as part of the Community Chest initiative.Chest holds the key This is run in partnership by the Sports Council for Wales and the Vale council sports development team.

 

The scheme aims to help develop sport and physical activity, and local community volunteers are involved in the decision-making process. In the last financial year, 68 clubs received nearly £52,000.

 

Two applicants receiving £857 each were Sully Sports Colts and Cowbridge Youth Centre, with the former aiming to set up six new teams, including one for girls. The youth centre cash will be spent on equipment for a new orienteering club.

 

Penarth Rifle Club and the Rhondda (Cold Knap) Lifeguard Club have secured £540 and £400 respectively to improve training standards and attend courses. Lower Penarth Community Association receive £640 for activity sessions and The Boccia Rollers are awarded £760 to improve facilities and attract more youngsters.

 

Get Fit/Be Active receive £740 for new ‘Be Active Club’ activities at Wick Village Hall, and a new Llantwit Major-based Vale Ladies' Netball Club are awarded £944 towards coach education and equipment.

 

Five local clubs receiving the maximum £1,000 award are:

 

• Penarth Cricket Club - starting second under-nines, 13s and 17s sides

 

• Penarth Mini/Junior Rugby - improving coaching standards and sending members on training courses

 

• Llantwit Major Amateur Boxing Club - increasing training facilities

 

• Barry Ladies' Hockey Club - focusing on youth participation and training

 

• Penybont Nippers - increasing club membership through the purchase of two nipper boards and assisting members with training.

 

Panel adviser Karen Davies, who is the Vale council's sports and play development manager, said: “The scheme continues to go from strength to strength. If there are any clubs, organisations or workplaces looking to increase their physical or sports activities, I urge them to apply.”

 

The panel meets every other month, and the deadline for the next Community Chest applications is 30 June.

 

To discuss a potential application, please telephone Karen Davies on 01446 704614. To request a form, telephone Julie Morgan on 01446 704754. For more information on opportunities in the Vale, visit www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk/sportsdevelopment.

 

15/05/2008