The £399,440 given to WRU member clubs forms part of a total of £800,000 available for the 2013/14 campaign as the governing body continues to support the community game.
More than 40 clubs from across Wales have benefitted from this funding, allowing them to improve their facilities in a number of different ways. Projects include the upgrading of changing rooms and clubhouses, new floodlights and in some cases, pitch maintenance and refurbishment.
“This latest round of Facilities Grants shows the WRU’s continued support to the grassroots game,” said WRU Head of Group Compliance Julie Paterson.
“As a governing body, we continue to encourage clubs to apply to us for funding. Rugby clubs form the heart of the community throughout Wales and it’s vital that continues.
“The cut off for the next round of funding is March 28, 2014 and I would urge clubs to contact us to explore the possibility of receiving a grant themselves.”
SWALEC League Four South West side Nantyffyllon received funding for new changing rooms at the club as part of a complete club house rebuild. Currently in third place behind Aberavon Green Stars and Cwmgors, the club hope their new facility will benefit them for years to come.
Nantyffyllon Club Secretary Bernard Colston said: “We’re undertaking a big project, we’re basically building a whole new clubhouse and the facilities grant from the WRU is a big part of that.
“Our existing building dates back to 1963 and a new facility is very much needed. We have children from seven to 18, two senior sides and a women’s side all training so we need to improve our facilities to match. It will be a vital part of the club moving forward.”
North Wales side Llandudno will be using their Welsh Rugby Union grant to improve the drainage of their junior side’s pitch.
“We are looking to kick-start the project at the end of the season, looking ahead to next year,” said Heather Thomas, Llandudno Club Secretary.
“It’s desperately needed from our point of view as the pitch is below sea level and floods regularly. It means we can lose access to the pitch for up to 50 per cent of the season which has a massive impact on the club.
“If we can get our junior section training and playing regularly, we are hoping more children in the area will want to join the club and start playing.”
Old Penarthians also received funding to refurbish the roof of their clubhouse. “We’ve benefitted twice from WRU funding in recent times and it’s been of huge benefit,” said Secretary Tony Crimp.
“Our most recent grant is being used to improve the roof on the clubhouse – it was beginning to leak and we’re very grateful for the help we’ve received as a club.”
For more details on WRU Funding go to www.mywru.co.uk or contact WRU Club Operations Advisor – Funding and Sustainability Chris Munro at CMunro@wru.co.uk.
