Grassroots sports clubs in Wales are becoming greener, and cheaper to run, thanks to £1.7m worth of Energy Saving Grants awarded by Sport Wales.
Ninety seven sports clubs – from across all 22 local authority areas – have received funding to pay for energy saving improvements such as solar panels and insulation upgrades that will lower their energy costs and carbon footprints.
The Energy Saving Grant was first introduced by Sport Wales last year using Welsh Government funding, and due to high demand grants were offered again this year, with clubs able to apply for up to £25,000.
The funding helps clubs to continue offering a wide range of affordable opportunities for people to get active. With lower energy bills, clubs become more financially sustainable whilst also doing their bit for the environment.
Seventy clubs that have been awarded funding this year will use it to install solar panels at their premises, and for three clubs that already have solar panels, the grants will enable them to purchase storage batteries – meaning they can store excess energy to use when they need it most. Other grants will be used to fund heating and hot water upgrades, improved insulation, and sustainable water sourcing and recycling.
Brian Davies, CEO of Sport Wales said: “We know that rising energy bills can impact clubs in a really significant way, and the knock-on effects of this can mean increased costs for participants.
“Over the last two years, £3.1m worth of Energy Saving Grants have now benefited a total of 175 sports clubs.
“Rising energy bills are threatening the very existence of some clubs, so we’re thrilled to help protect their future so that they can continue offering vital services to people in their local communities.
“Enabling clubs in Wales to improve their sustainability will also go a long way to lessening the impact of sport in Wales on climate change and the environment.”
The Energy Saving Grants have been made possible thanks to a total £8m worth of capital funding for 2024-25 which has been allocated to Sport Wales by the Welsh Government.
Welsh Government Minister for Sport, Jack Sargeant, said: “Funding the Energy Saving Grants demonstrates how we are delivering our Programme for Government commitments to invest in sports facilities and support grassroots clubs.
“It’s an investment in our clubs’ long-term futures, which is in turn an investment in providing inclusive, accessible and sustainable opportunities for people across Wales to enjoy both the physical and mental health benefits of sport.”
Among the clubs to benefit is Maesteg Squash Club, which is set to become one of the most energy efficient facilities in Wales. Thanks to an Energy Saving Grant of £25,000– the maximum awarded by Sport Wales – they will install solar panels, all fluorescent lighting will be replaced with energy efficient LEDs, and to maximise energy savings a zoning heating system will be installed.
At Gorseinon Cricket Club in Swansea, a grant of £6,887 will be used to install a rainwater harvesting system. During wetter weather, the club can collect rainwater, and the collected water will then be recycled to irrigate the cricket square, saving the club from having to use the mains fed tap over the drier months, and saving them money, too.
In Powys, Llandrindod Wells Bowling club will use £21,130 of funding to upgrade its existing lights with LEDs and install solar panels on the clubhouse, which will considerably offset the current energy usage of the club.
Another club that will see a significant difference in their energy bills thanks to their Energy Saving Grant is Tredegar Park Golf Club, who will use £20,000 to install solar panels. The club predicts the installation will offer electricity savings of over £130,000 over the next 25 years.
To help with pitch maintenance and the growth in bills such as gas, electric and water rates, Penmaenmawr Phoenix FC on the Conwy coast will use £23,963 of funding to install a variety of energy saving measures. These include solar panels, boreholes and heating provisions, all of which will help the club reduce their energy and water bills.
