This money forms part of a £500,000 fund from the WRU announced in the summer which allows clubs to apply for financial assistance to improve their facilities.
More than 20 clubs have benefitted from round one of the funding, allowing them to improve their facilities in a number of different ways. Projects include the installation of new floodlights, new posts and in some cases, the building of a new training pitch and changing rooms.
Pontyclun RFC are just one of the clubs to have received funding, using their grant to install new floodlights for their training pitch. Club Secretary Neil McIntosh believes the grant can only improve the club.
“At the moment the junior and youth teams get put to one side as we don’t have enough pitches with lights so the senior teams take preference,” he said.
“With the new lights we can get every junior team as well as the women’s and seniors training during the winter which can only be of benefit to the club.”
Pentyrch RFC have also received funding to repair the existing floodlights at their ground.
“The repairs are very much needed as the current ones have been there for over 20 years,” said Club Secretary Gareth Williams.
“We knew last year we had problems and the funding will be a huge weight off our shoulders. We have one of, if not the biggest minis and juniors section in Wales with 250 boys and girls.
“The new lights will be absolutely vital as they will all be able to train throughout the week.”
This is the first of three rounds of funding with the deadline to apply for the next round ending on January 18. Clubs are encouraged to discuss any future project ideas with the WRU Club Operations Team.
The panel which judged the applications was made up of the WRU’s Regional Development Managers and led by Julie Paterson, WRU Head of Group Compliance.
“We’re delighted to announce the clubs who have been awarded WRU funding in the first round of the Facilities Foundation Grant,” said Paterson.
“It’s vital the WRU continues to support its grassroots clubs and this is further proof of the WRU’s commitment to return money into the game.
To apply for future funding, visit http://www.mywru.co.uk.
Full Round One funding in detail:
New posts: Welshpool, Bethesda.
Redevelopment of outside areas: Nantymoel.
New ride on mower: Trimsaran.
New Floodlights: Pentyrch, Pontyclun, Gorseinon, St Josephs Cardiff, Maesteg Celtic.
New Granstand cover: Abergavenny.
Club House refurbishment: Monmouth, Swansea Uplands, Old Penarthians.
New Central Heating: Rhiwbina.
New Catering facilities: Skewen.
New training pitch: Alltwen, Pontypool United, Aberaeron.
Changing Rooms: Llantwit Major, Swansea, Penclawdd, Burry Port.
Resurfacing access to club: Porthcawl.
Pitch Drainage: Banwen, Dunvant.
