A SPORTS Wales initiative has enabled a Barry-based group of young people to get more active with bows and arrows.

The Community Chest scheme, managed locally by the Vale Council’s Sports & Play Development Team, has helped cadets from the 372 (Barry) Squadron Air Corps try out archery after they were inspired by the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The scheme offers start-up grants of up to £1500 for community sport and activities that encourage more people to be more active, more often, and raise the standard of existing activities.

81 applications from local sports clubs and organisations were awarded funding totalling £92,220.89 in the past year thanks to the Community Chest scheme.

Following a successful Community Chest application, archery was introduced to the cadet programme and the commanding officer Jason Horton was overwhelmed by its success.

The Air Corps have since received further funding to develop more activity and now up to 40 air cadets are benefiting from regularly participating in the physical activities on offer.

The Vale has been awarded funding for another year.

Organisations will be able to apply for an additional funding request for projects that help grow grassroots community sport across Wales.

Clubs or organisations with proposals for a new project to develop more sports opportunities, can contact Karen Davies, Vale Council sports and play development manager on 01446

704793 to discuss a proposal further.