In the latest Fit-For-Future Equipment Fund window, the Cymru Football Foundation has awarded over £1million to over 70 grassroots football clubs across the country.
From pitch maintenance equipment to storage containers, the support from the Equipment Fund has already been having a positive impact on clubs across Wales.
With only 21% of grass pitches in Wales rated at a “good” standard – the CFF also launched the Pitch Advisory Service Wales in collaboration with the Grounds Management Association – a programme to support grounds people and volunteers with advice and recommendations for equipment upgrades through the fund.
In 2024, Cardiff Corinthians’ pitch faced severe flooding because of Storm Bert. As a result, fixtures were consistently called off due to waterlogging and the club were struggling to maintain their pitch.
Thanks to a CFF grant of £18,000, the Corries were able to purchase essential pitch maintenance equipment including a tractor, finishing mower and turf groomer following advice from the Pitch Advisory Service Wales.
Fiona Boyle, Secretary at Cardiff Corinthians said:
“We were constantly battling against the weather and felt like an impossible task to maintain a pitch that could withstand the elements.
“Thanks to the advice and funding received, we now have the right tools and knowledge to keep our pitch in top condition. It’s made a massive difference to both our players and the local community, who rely on us to provide a safe, well-maintained facility.”
Pembrokeshire-based St Ishmaels Sports and Social Club host both football and cricket at their facility. Their existing equipment was not fit for purpose, leading to issues with regular maintenance to be carried out and their junior players having to train elsewhere.
A £16,000 grant has allowed investment into new equipment that specialises in pitch repairs and maintenance – allowing St Ishmaels to welcome their junior players back and maintain their pitch to a high standard.
Stuart Carpenter, Groundsman at St Ishmaels said:
“Without the help of the Cymru Football Foundation and the Grounds Management Association, we wouldn’t have been able to get to work on fixing our main pitch. We’ve also now marked out a new junior pitch, seeded and fertilized them both and are well on our way to re-establishing junior football and introducing Huddle.”
Rhyl High School also received a £9,000 grant to invest in new goalposts to share with the local football club.
Sharing a facility – the new goals have opened up opportunities for women and girls to access regular sessions as well as pupils using them during P.E sessions and break times.
Andy Lowrie, U13s Girls Coach at CPD Y Rhyl 1879 said:
“The new goals have been a godsend – they’ve enabled us to schedule more fixtures and training sessions giving our girls more access to football.
“It was great to be work collaboratively with Rhyl High School to secure this grant. It’s a win, win for all of us and shows the sense of community we’ve got here in Rhyl.”
The Equipment Fund feeds into the wider £20million invested by the Cymru Football Foundation since 2022.
