Lottery-funded Llandrindod Wells FC is a lifeline in its community

16/12/2020

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Lottery-funded Llandrindod Wells FC is a lifeline in its community

Earlier this year, Llandrindod Wells FC received National Lottery funding so that its players could safely return to football. The club celebrated a National Lottery grant of more than £600 from the Sport Wales Be Active Wales Fund.

Mike Jones is the general groundsman and coach to the under 9s. He says:

“We have lost our revenue opportunities so I’d like to thank National Lottery players. Without their support, clubs just wouldn’t be able to survive. We have spent the grant on thermometers, PPE, hand sanitiser and signage to make sure that our players can come back to play football safely.

“To see the kids being able to come back and train has put a big smile on their faces. It’s really important for their mental health.”

Throughout the Covid pandemic National Lottery contributions are helping to protect and prepare Welsh sport for a safe return to activity.

Team photo by @LlandrindodAFC

But the club has certainly not been all take and no give this year. The club has been a lifeline for its community, with club members helping to set up fitness sessions for older people, raising money for local NHS charities and organising Drive In Bingo to entertain the locals. Llandrindod Wells FC is certainly proving itself to be #morethanaclub.

“We started doing Doorstep Disco on my street and we ended up raising £500 for local NHS charities and another £170 from a local resident who has a brain tumour. We have even had a mock wedding for a couple who live nearby who weren’t able to get married.

“We recently started walking football at the club and we know how much the older people have been benefiting. To make sure they could stay active, we provided the PA system and access to the pitch for a fitness instructor to lead outdoor sessions. Those with a view of the pitch could even take part from their own homes!”

Like others, the club has been hit by a huge loss of revenue. One of the regular fundraising activities was bingo. But Coronavirus was certainly not going to put a stop to that:

“When the restrictions lifted, we decided to start Drive In Bingo. It has been great fun with people flashing their headlights instead of shouting ‘house’. It’s been a nice way for some of the older people living around here to come out and be social, safely.”

Thanks to National Lottery players, £30 million is raised every week for good causes, many of which are supporting the most vulnerable in our communities across the UK during the Coronavirus crisis.

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