On 25th October 2023, the Cymru Football Foundation’s Fit-For-Future Facilities Fund will open for grassroots football clubs, local authorities, and charitable organisations to apply for large grants of up to £300k to support projects that will benefit communities across Wales.
The programme provides grants to successful applicants for a range of different criteria including, but not limited to:
- New or upgraded grass pitches
- LED Floodlights for artificial grass pitches
- New or upgrades to existing changing rooms or clubhouses
- Small-sided or full-size artificial grass pitches
The CFF have provided some key bits of advice for applicants to carefully consider when submitting:
DO
- Read the CFF’s Fit-For-Future Facilities guidance document
- If applying for an artificial pitch or changing room project, read the CFF’s guidance documents
- Be clear and concise in detailing the impact outcomes of your project
- Carefully consider your supporting evidence – this is an integral piece of successful applications
- Ensure your project aligns with one of the CFF’s impact priorities e.g. doubling the number of women and girls through inspirational fit-for-future facilities
- Be considerate of FAW strategies e.g. Clwb Cymru, PAWB, Environments: For Her
- Ensure contractor timelines are realistic in relation to CFF grant decision periods
- Ensure your project is well thought out and that the club/organisation can facilitate the desired outcomes with post-project management plans
- Ensure the project meets the needs of club and wider community – ensuring this is in line with Club Development plans
DON’T
- Rush your application
- Submit an incomplete application
- Suggest the project will benefit other organisations without evidence of consultation with those organisations
- Be vague with outcomes e.g. “a long-term aim is to introduce a female pathway”, instead be specific and measurable e.g. “the club will introduce an U7 & U8 female team 24/25 season, and introduce two new age groups in 25/26 and 26/27 seasons.”
- Work on the application alone – allocate and seek advice from staff at your club or organisation
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- For grass pitch projects
- No PQS is needed prior to submission as a feasibility study will be commissioned as part of a two-stage grant process if the initial application is supported.
- Set a realistic budget – base designs around a simple, functional, easy-to-manage facility.
- If applying via paper version, ensure all documents are accessible electronically and stored securely
Early applications are encouraged, and independent decision-making panels will take place during and following the application window that closes on 31st March 2024.
