5 ways Sport Wales and Crowdfunder have benefitted football in Wales

All change at Treharris Athletic

If you’re looking for successful examples of Crowdfunding campaigns for sports clubs in Wales, take a look at Treharris Athletic Minis and Juniors in Merthyr.

The club, eager to develop new changing rooms, took to Crowdfunder and raised almost £8000 in 28 days. 

The Club Chair explained: “The minis and juniors has been running for 25 years and has never had its own facility, a place to call ‘home’. I want to give the kids a base, a place to call home and to be proud of, where they train and play every week. Being based in the village means friends and family can come and give the kids the support they need and thrive on at this young age during matches.”

As well as changing rooms, a small communal room has been built where the club can hold meetings and training courses but it can also be used by local community groups.

Top tip: Keep your supporters updated with your progress

Find out how they did it: Treharris Athletic Minis and Juniors

New loos thanks to Crowdfunder

Ynyshir Albions Football Club in Rhondda Cynon Taf raised an impressive £18,000 through Crowdfunding efforts and match-funding from Sport Wales. The money is being spent on facility improvements at the ground – namely, new toilets which are more suitable for women and those with disabilities.

The refurbishment also means the club can build a serving hatch from the kitchen to help the club generate revenue and become more sustainable.

Top tip: Include sponsorship packages in your Crowdfunder rewards and approach local businesses.

Find out how they did it: Ynyshir Albions Football Club

Local community back FC Cwmaman

In the former mining village of Cwmaman lies the Canolfan – the ground of FC Cwmaman. With volunteers working tirelessly to create a haven for local boys and girls as well as adults, the club is at the very heart of the community.

So, when the club turned to Crowdfunder to raise money to refurbish its stand and dugouts, the local community was only too happy to come to its rescue.

Local supporters – which included Kelly and Richard from the Stereophonics - donated more than £27,000 in return for rewards which ranged from sponsoring a matchday to a seat plaque, stand naming rights and pitchside advertising. With a further £9000 grant from Sport Wales, the club certainly exceeded their initial target of £18,000.

Top tip: Always consider a stretch target if you draw near to your initial milestone sooner than you expect.

Find out how they did it: FC Cwmaman

Improvements at Greenfield FC

Greenfield FC in Flintshire successfully raised more than £5000 in just 56 days to buy a new stand base and to upgrade cabins which house the changing rooms.

Through Crowdfunder, the club offered season tickets as well as a prize draw. The whole community came together to make sure the club could offer local youngsters the chance to play football.

The club started in 2005 with 12 children on the books and now more than 80 youngsters are pulling on their boots to get involved:

“That’s 80 families in our community – talking, socialising and helping each other. We’re able to build confidence and social skills in the children and improve their mental health,” said a club spokesperson.

Top tip: Raffles with a range of different prizes are a great way to generate funds.

Find out how they did it: Greenfield FC 

Keeping children safe in Waunarlwydd

Waunarlwydd Galaxy AFC in Swansea was in serious need of some good fundraising ideas. It desperately needed fencing around its village pitch. With players as young as three, it was essential that the club could keep them safe.

Turning to Crowdfunder, the club raised more than £6000 with rewards for donations varying from a raffle ticket to ground naming rights. With a further £6000 in match-funding from Sport Wales, the club was able to ensure a bright future for football in Waunarlwydd.

Top tip: Get creative with your rewards. Can your volunteers offer skills for donations?

Find out how they did it: Waunarlwydd Galaxy AFC CIC 

Looking to improve the facilities at your club? Start your Crowdfunder journey with Sport Wales today and help your club to make a difference in your community.

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