The Cymru Football Foundation is pleased to launch the Stadia Improvement Fund – to provide grants that support clubs in the Welsh football pyramid develop facilities on and off the field.
Supported by funding from the Premier League, the CFF will distribute funding to enable clubs to reach criteria to compete in the Cymru, Adran and Ardal Leagues.
The Stadia Improvement Fund will focus on four key priorities:
- Enhancing infrastructure
- Boosting the matchday experience for players and supporters
- Implementing league license criteria
- Improving environments for match officials
Support has previously been available for clubs to achieve license criteria via the Welsh Grounds Improvement Programme.
The Welsh Grounds Improvement Fund provided a vital source of support over a 25-year period and awarded over £10million in grant funding to improve stadia infrastructure including stands, floodlights, fencing and hard standing areas.
However, following the closure of this programme, the Stadia Improvement Fund will ensure investment continues to be allocated to develop stadium facilities that deliver better experiences for supporters, players and officials.
Cymru Football Foundation Director Aled Lewis said:
“We’re delighted to launch the Stadia Improvement Fund to support improvements in stadium facilities across our communities. We’re excited to work with clubs in the Welsh Football pyramid to support them in providing a better experience for players, officials and supporters alike. Thank you to the Football Association of Wales and the Premier League for their support to get this new fund off the ground.”
Football Association of Wales CEO Noel Mooney said:
“It’s fantastic to see the launch of the Stadia Improvement Fund as it signals our clear commitment to invest in our facilities across the country to further improve standards for participants and spectators.
“This fund will assist ambitious clubs to achieve the required criteria to compete in the Cymru Leagues, Adran Leagues and Ardal Leagues. This will become a valuable funding resource to our clubs progressing through the football pyramid.”
The fund is now open for Club’s applying for grants to achieve Tier 1 license criteria.
Further guidance on how and when to apply – including what criteria needs to be met – can be found here.
