Solar panels powering more than just electricity at Rhyl RFC

Rhyl RFC’s improved financial security also means that they can continue running their Community Hub which makes such a difference to local people’s lives.

Club Chair, Tony Evans said: “With bills rising we were in the position of potentially having to take drastic action to offset the cost. 

“We are open seven days a week, running teams from minis all the way to seniors and providing a community hub for everyone in the local area. We host weekly discos for adults with additional needs and disabilities and serve food and drink every evening.

“We aren’t from the most affluent of areas. Thankfully the Energy Saving Grant is allowing us to continue to do these things, but now in a more financially sustainable way.” 

Club steward Lee Blackmore is equally appreciative of the funding they received from Sport Wales:

“I’d encourage any clubs out there to apply for grants and funding. It’s massively reduced not only our monthly outgoings but also our carbon footprint. If it wasn’t for the Energy Saving Grant, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do.”

Since the installation of the solar panels the club have seen a significant decrease in their carbon footprint, having saved 2948kg of CO2 Emissions – which is the equivalent of planting 178 trees.

Brian Davies, the CEO of Sport Wales said: “Rhyl RFC’s story is a perfect example of why we wanted to offer grants which enable clubs to invest in energy efficiency measures as they are not only positive for the environment but also help to set clubs up to be more financially sustainable.

“Ultimately, this allows them to remain central to people’s lives so they can feel connected and lead an active and healthy lifestyle.”

Using Welsh Government funding, 78 clubs across Wales were awarded Energy Saving Grants during the last financial year. The majority of the clubs who received grants – which added up to nearly £1.4m – used their funding to install solar panels, while other uses include insulation improvements, upgrades to heating systems and sustainable water sourcing.

In the autumn, Sport Wales will announce the clubs who have been successful with their applications for this year’s Energy Saving Grants, with funding worth £1.5m ready to be allocated.

Whilst this round of the Energy Saving Grant is closed there are still a range of funding support available through Sport Wales. From our Be Active Wales Fund, supporting all aspects of sport delivery, to our partnership with Crowdfunder delivering better experiences around that sporting offer. Details can be found here.