A FURTHER 21 organisations have benefitted from Community Chest funding totalling £29,524 administered by the Vale of Glamorgan Council, to create new or further develop existing opportunities for residents to get involved in sport.

The Vale of Glamorgan has been ranked first in Adult Physical Activity in the most recent Sport Wales survey and second in the most recent Sport Wales School Sport survey measuring physical activity in Children and Young People. This latest round of funding will help sports clubs across the county build on this success by getting even more children and young people playing sport.

Among the clubs to benefit is the Central Explosion Cheerleading Academy, based in Barry. Thanks to their grant the club will be now run additional cheerleading classes designed to get eleven to sixteen year olds more active.

More opportunities for young people to get involved in badminton will now be on offer in the eastern Vale thanks to funding provided to Penarth, Dinas Powys and District Badminton Club

Meanwhile Barry Squash Club will be targeting their grant on the development of junior opportunities both within schools and the community, while Penarth Netball Club will to establish an Under 15’s section.

Councillor Gwyn John, Cabinet Member for Visible Services and Leisure, said: “The Vale of Glamorgan Council is committed to increasing levels of sporting activity in the Vale and by doing so improving our residents’ health and wellbeing.

“The Community Chest funding provides much needed financial support to sports clubs in the Vale. Thanks to this latest round of funding these clubs will be able to purchase equipment, further educate their coaches and hire facilities. All of which are essential to getting more people playing more sport.”

Coach education is a priority for the Community Chest panel and they are keen to support further clubs with the development of their coaches and volunteers. In the western Vale Llantwit Major Rugby Club will focus on improving player standards at the club by investing their funding in the development of their coaches. The same approach is being taken by the Barry Huskies Basketball Club which will be training volunteers to become referees and table officials. The Caerau Dragon Bowman archery club will also be investing their funding in coach education.

The Community Chest scheme is funded by Sport Wales and managed locally by the Vale Council’s Sports and Play Development Team. Clubs who are interested in further developing the opportunities they offer can find out more by contacting the Sports and Play Development Team on 01446 704793.