The Cymru Football Foundation (CFF), with support from through funding from UK Government has now awarded £17 million to projects across the country to develop fit-for-future football facilities.
The CFF supports the development of football through investment and guidance as it delivers on the Football Association of Wales’ (FAW) commitment to develop and grow Welsh football on and off the pitch.
Supported by investment from the UK Government, the CFF has awarded £8.8 million this year to 32 projects through our Fit-for-Future Facility Programme.
This year’s investment together with the £9.2m invested in 2022 and 2023 takes the total investment from the CFF to over £17m.
The Cymru Football Foundation’s key priorities are to increase participation particularly amongst women and girls, tackle inequalities and enable stronger and more sustainable clubs.
To date, the CFF has invested:
- £3.9m in improving changing facilities for Women & Girls
- £4.4m in full-size artificial pitches that have dedicated and protected access for Women & Girls
- £6.2m in 30% of the most deprived communities in Wales
- £10.6m directly into 145 clubs enabling them to be stronger and more sustainable
- £2.4m to improve grass pitches and a further £600k in improving pitch maintenance equipment.
JD Cymru North side Denbigh Town are one of the most recent beneficiaries of CFF funding, receiving a grant of £300,000 towards a brand-new clubhouse and community facility.
This project was also a recipient of funding from the Premier League as part of its commitment to support the development of facilities across Wales.
Shon Powell, Chairman at Denbigh Town said:
“We’re delighted to have been successful with our application from the Cymru Football Foundation. It’s the final piece needed for us to move forward, put our plans into action and deliver a fantastic facility for Denbigh and the wider community.”
Neath-based Trefelin BGC will also soon have access to a brand new small-sided artificial grass pitch after receiving just over £360,000 to develop participation opportunities for their junior players and wider community.
The new 3G will see Ynys Park able to host sessions throughout the year for their 200+ junior players as well as becoming a community asset for the local authority, primary schools and sports clubs.
Steve Green, Chairman at Trefelin BGC said:
“The new 3g training facility at the macron Ynys Park will allow our male and female players of all ages to train no matter the weather and will provide an important hub for our junior football teams. This investment will not only support Trefelin BGC but also the wider community in Port Talbot to be more active, becoming physically and mentally healthier.”
Work will also soon begin at CPD Felinfach FC in Ceredigion as a grant of almost £270,000 supports the club with a new full-size grass pitch along with three complimentary small-sided grass pitches – a significant upgrade on their current facilities.
Just one of five clubs in the county that facilitates a senior women’s team, the new pitches will allow them to offer playing opportunities to junior girls and create a sustainable pathway rather than attracting players from other local clubs.
Eilir Evans, Chairman at CPD Felinfach FC said:
“It’s impossible to overstate the positive impact that the investment from the Cymru Football Foundation will have on CPD Felinfach and our community. A high-quality, future-proofed pitch facility will enable our sernior teams to realise their ambition and potential. It will also support our thriving junior section to further its capacity and development – building on participation of our junior teams and football festivals.”
Aled Lewis, Director at Cymru Football Foundation said:
“We are extremely pleased and proud to have supported so many projects in such a short space of time that will deliver such an impact within our communities. We look forward to continuing to our work with funding partners to achieve our goal of Inspirational and Fit-for-Future Facilities across Wales.”
