Sport Wales and Crowdfunder are proud to announce that together, they have helped community sports clubs in Wales raise over £1 million to support vital off-field improvements. 

Over the last four years, 76 sports clubs in Wales have successfully crowdfunded in their communities for projects that enhance the overall experience of grassroots sport. Through the A Place for Sport fund, Sport Wales has been able to boost their crowdfunding efforts and support their projects. 

Here’s the key figures: 

• Since 2021, Clubs have raised £730,795 through Crowdfunder. 
• Sport Wales contributed match-funding of £367,210 to their projects. 
• As a result, a total of £1,098,005 has been invested into community sport facilities. 
• More than 7,000 people have supported the projects. 
• A third of these projects benefit under-represented groups of people or are located in the top 30% of most deprived areas of Wales. 

What’s the impact? 

Since launching, the A Place for Sport fund has enabled community clubs to deliver meaningful upgrades and inclusive improvements—supporting projects such as refurbished clubhouses, kitchen refurbishments, upgraded access ramps, and essential facilities maintenance. 

Examples of successful projects 

• Crickhowell FC launched a crowdfunding campaign to install disabled access ramps, extend their clubhouse, and increase seating capacity at their ground. They raised £10,410 which included £4,000 match funding from Sport Wales.  
• Stow Park Tennis Club have transformed their changing facilities thanks to their crowdfunding project. They raised £30,000 which included the maximum £15,000 match-funding amount from Sport Wales. 
• Buckley Cricket Club also secured the maximum £15,000 from Sport Wales to boost their fundraising total to £30,000, enabling them to resurface their lumpy, bumpy car park. 
• Machen RFC were able to replace their leaky roof after they raised £28,451 from 152 supporters. £11,000 in match-funding was awarded by Sport Wales. 
•  RTB Ebbw Vale Bowls Club raised a total of £10,000 - which included £5,000 match funding from Sport Wales - to give their clubhouse a much needed facelift. 

Building the future of community sport 

The A Place for Sport initiative is more than just funding—it’s a vehicle for community engagement and capacity-building. Participating clubs benefit from Crowdfunder’s coaching, webinars, and support services throughout the campaign process. 

This encourages clubs to deepen community ties and deliver inclusive improvements that sustain local sport for generations to come. 

Owen Hathway, Sport Wales’ Assistant Director for Insight, Policy and Public Affairs said: “We’re thrilled with how our partnership with Crowdfunder is amplifying our funding several times over to improve the all-round experience of grassroots sport in Wales. Sports clubs that have gone through the crowdfunding process have also benefited from learning a lot of skills related to fundraising and community engagement which will set them up for future success.” 

Graeme Roy, Head of Partnerships at Crowdfunder, said: “We're proud to have empowered community sports clubs throughout Wales to not only reach their funding goals, but to build stronger bonds within their communities.” 

How the partnership works 

Through the Sport Wales x Crowdfunder partnership, sports clubs create a fundraising page on the Crowdfunder website and invite supporters to pledge donations. Everyone who pledges money in support receives a ‘reward’ for their generosity. Often, the rewards are donated by the local business community.  

Once the club hits a certain fundraising target, Sport Wales provides match funding up to £15,000 from its A Place for Sport fund. 

What does it take to make a great Crowdfunding campaign? 

Thinking about your own project? Clubs who are considering a crowdfunding project are encouraged to: 

1. Tell a compelling story – Share why your club and your sport is important to the community. How will the funds make a difference?   
2. Offer creative rewards - Consider what rewards could be offered in return for donations - from branded club gear to vouchers from local businesses. 
3. Promote – Shout about your project. Whether that’s on social media, in the local press or in the community.