SPORTS clubs and organisations based in the Vale have received a funding boost thanks to the Community Chest scheme.

In total there were 18 clubs that will receive a share of £22,175 to help them develop or create sporting opportunities in the area.

Barry Squash Club was one of the successful organisations chosen to receive funding; they will develop squash opportunities for women and girls in Barry.

Engaging more girls in sports and physical activity is one of the priority areas for the Vale of Glamorgan Council’s Sports and Play Development Team, who hope to link this new squash opportunity to their Girls on the Move programme, which has recently seen Glowminton successfully increase female participation in sport.

The 372 (Barry) Squadron Air Training Corps are also hoping to attract more females to take part in activities. They were awarded funding to increase the number of cadets accessing hockey, with a focus on increasing female participation.

Another priority area in the Vale is the development of opportunities for disabled people.

The Intersensory Club run cycling sessions twice a week for disabled people, both of which take place at Jenner Park Stadium, Barry.

They have adapted bicycles that can be used by members of the public, and have received funding to purchase additional bicycles that will facilitate the inclusion of people with autism into cycling activity.

Coaching and umpiring education is also a priority for the Community Chest panel, which has awarded funding to a number of clubs in order to enable them to send their volunteers on training courses, including first aid, child protection training, and umpiring/refereeing courses.

The clubs benefitting from this are Wenvoe Colts FC, Barry Basketball Club, Hen Goleg League of Friends, Vale Cricket Club, Vale Vipers Basketball, Old Penarthians, Penarth Cricket Club, Penarth Town AFC, Cowbridge Hockey Club and Cowbridge RFC mini and junior section.

Other clubs successful in receiving funding were Barry YMCA Male Artistic Club, Great Western Cricket Club, Llantwit Major Tennis Club, Glamorgan Anglers and Peterston Junior FC.

The Community Chest scheme is funded by Sport Wales and managed by the Vale Council’s Sports and Play Development Team.

The final round for Community Chest funding for this financial year will be on February 2, 2017, with January 19 being the deadline for submitting applications.

Any club or organisation interested in applying for funding is requested to contact the Sports and Play Development Team first, to check that their project is eligible for funding.

The Community Chest scheme contributes to the council’s objectives of increasing health and wellbeing amongst its residents, and increasing skills and education.

To find out more information please contact the Sports and Play Development Team on 01446 704793.