Introduction

Sport Wales has awarded £2.1 million in Energy Saving Grants to 118 community sports clubs across Wales. 

The Energy Saving Grant, funded by the Welsh Government, is helping clubs cut energy costs, reduce carbon emissions, and reinvest savings back into local sport.

All funding has been awarded subject to certain conditions being met.

Interested in applying for an Energy Saving Grant? Find out if your club is eligible and how to apply.

Types of projects funded

Clubs are using the grant to make energy-saving improvements. Projects will vary depending on what upgrades will make the biggest difference to the club or facility.

  • 76 clubs will use their grant to install solar panels at their facilities, and 22 clubs will use the money to purchase storage batteries for excess energy.
  • 19 clubs will upgrade to LED lighting to reduce energy consumption.
  • 12 clubs will invest in new energy-efficient windows and doors.
  • 15 clubs are installing or replacing insulation to reduce heat loss.
  • 14 clubs will fund sustainable water solutions such as boreholes and rain harvesting systems.
  • 23 clubs will upgrade their heating or hot water systems.

Sports awarded grants

A high number of clubs met the requirements, and the following sports were awarded grants:

  • Bowls
  • Boxing
  • Cricket
  • Cycling
  • Football
  • Golf
  • Gymnastics
  • Rugby
  • Sailing
  • Skateboarding
  • Squash
  • Surf Lifesaving
  • Tennis

Some multi-sport facilities have also been awarded Energy Saving Grants to support a wide variety of activities.

The 118 clubs that received Energy Saving Grants

Clubs are listed below by local authority.

Blaenau Gwent

  • Abertillery Bluebirds Football Club will use their £20,555 grant to install solar panels and LED lighting, transforming their clubhouse into a low-carbon, cost-effective and sustainable facility.
  • Focused on futureproofing, Blaina Bowls Club are using £19,200 to make their facilities energy efficient with solar panels and a modernised heating system.
  • Brynmawr RFC will upgrade to an energy-efficient heating system and replace windows and doors with their£20,400 grant. Helping keep facilities affordable and warm for the local community.

Bridgend

  • A £25,000 grant will be used at Royal Porthcawl Golf Club to cut their energy bills and reduce their impact on the environment.
  • Bridgend Bowls, Tennis & Squash CIC are installing solar panels with their £19,939 grant. This will help lower energy costs, and savings can be used to upgrade club facilities.
  • New windows and doors will be installed at Ogmore Valley Dragons Boxing Club with their £18,400 grant, helping reduce heat loss.
  • Solar panels will be installed at Llynfi Valley Amateur Boxing Club using their £24,100 grant. This will lower utility costs as they establish their new base.

Caerphilly

  • Having previously received an Energy Saving Grant for solar panels and a boiler, Bargoed RFC will now further protect their future with a £12,220 grant for battery storage and a heat recovery/ventilation unit.
  • £18,377 was awarded to Pontymister & Crosskeys Cricket Club who are installing solar panels, helping them become more sustainable and efficient. Savings will be reinvested into youth cricket, helping to keep training affordable for young people.
  • Machen RFC’s £23,306 grant will be usedfor solar panels and battery storage for their clubhouse. This will allow them to invest more in coach education, equipment, and longer operating hours.

Cardiff

  • Whitchurch Tennis Club will cut energy bills once they switch to LED lighting with a £3,582 grant.
  • At Cardiff BMX Racing Club solar panels will be installed thanks to a £21,515 grant. This will help with reduced operating costs as the club grows and expands.
  • Solar panels will be installed at Cardiff Lawn Tennis Club using £18,788 grant to help reduce energy consumption.
  • Rising bills have posed a significant challenge for Friends of Pedal Power LTD. A £21,019 grant for solar panels will reduce operating costs.
  • Skate Cardiff Limited are investing in solar panels and uPVC with their £21,678 grant. They will use the savings to put on more skate projects and keep entry costs down.
  • A grant of £20,000 for solar panels and battery storage will help St Albans RFC reduce their carbon footprint, energy bills and ensure long-term sustainability for the club.
  • Cardiff Bay Yacht Club use a lot of electricity to support their activities. They will invest their £25,000 grant in solar panels and battery storage.  Over £8,000 will be saved annually.
  • St Peters RFC are lowering their non-renewable energy use and operating costs, thanks to a £17,385 grant for solar panels. They will be able to invest more in rugby and community initiatives, whilst ensuring long-term stability.

Carmarthenshire 

  • Energy costs have soared at Hendy Rugby Club, but a grant of £13,930 for solar panels will help reduce their bills.
  • Carmarthenshire School of Gymnastics will use their £10,790 grant for batteries to support existing solar panels. The battery will help the club store more solar energy to help heat the facility, especially during the winter months.
  • Clwb Criced Bronwydd will use their £14,856 grant for solar panels, helping them save an estimated £6,000 per year in energy bills.
  • Seaside FC will reinvest the money saved from a £20,671 solar panels grant back into community sport, volunteering, social opportunities and providing sport for free.
  • £5,271 was awarded to Ammanford FC, who are replacing their old, damaged doors which will keep the heat in.
  • Carmarthen Golf Club has been granted £13,901 for battery storage and LED lighting. This means they can store extra energy generated in-house and spend less money on lighting.
  • Dafen Welfare Cricket Club are reducing energy costs and becoming more energy independent, thanks to a £7,254 grant for battery storage and LED lighting.
  • Ammanford RFC has been awarded £25,000 to replace old windows and install new batteries to store electricity from their solar panels. They’re aiming to modernise and improve facilities for the whole community.
  • Nantgaredig Athletics RFC are expanding to support a new women’s team, family touch rugby sessions and existing men and junior squads. A £25,000 grant will fund solar panel upgrades, expanded battery storage, an electric water heating system and outdoor LED lighting, improving sustainability and reducing costs.
  • Llanelli Wanderers RFC will update their old, outdated shower system with an £8,962 grant. The modernised hot water system will help reduce energy costs and consumption.

Ceredigion

  • Borth and Ynyslas Golf Club want to reduce their bills and become less reliant on the National Grid. They are installing solar panels and a new boiler/hot water tank with a £25,000 grant.
  • Cardigan Golf Club will stabilise their costs with help from a £21,415 grant for solar panels.
  • Solar panels will be installed at Clwb Rygbi Llambad with their £25,000 grant. The money saved will be reinvested back into the club.
  • Clwb Rygbi Aberystwyth want to reduce their reliance on grid electricity. Using a £12,582 grant, they will purchase batteries to store surplus energy from their solar panels.
  • Aberystwyth Golf Club have been awarded £25,000 to line the existing pond, improving its ability to retain rainwater and eliminate water loss through seepage.
  • Cardigan Bowling Club has participants ages spanning from 7 to 93. Using a£23,678 grant, they will install solar panels to generate their own power as rising costs threaten their long-term survival.

Conwy

  • Like many other clubs, Colwyn Bay Rugby Club are seeing rising energy costs. Thanks to a £24,007 grant for solar panels, the club will see those bills slashed.
  • With support from a £22,620 grant, Llanfairfechan Sailing Club will install solar panels, battery storage, and better insulation. Savings made will allow the club to expand its work in the community and provide more activities like wind foiling, paddle boarding and surf lifesaving.
  • Old Colwyn Golf Club hope to become self-sufficient in water usage andwill use their £24,984 grant to invest in a wash bay capture system. This will save roughly 112,500 litres of water annually.

Denbighshire 

  • Solar panels, heating, insulation and uPVC will be installed at Llanfwrog Community Centre using £18,000 of funding.
  • Rhyl FC CIC’s grant of£25,000 will see their bills and carbon footprint reduced through solar panel installation.
  • Prestatyn Golf Club will become less reliant on water mains, using their £24,960 grant for a water recycling system.
  • Solar panels and a storage battery will be installed at Ruthin RFC, thanks to a £25,000 grant, to allow the club to save excess energy generated from the solar panels on sunny days.
  • Ruthin Bowling Club is growing and provides a range of initiatives, including supporting members with dementia and Welsh lessons. They’re installing solar panels, a storage battery, LED lighting and upgrading heating with their £17,430 grant.

Flintshire

  • £18,845 was awarded to Northop Golf Club for water recycling. A new sustainable water management system will help harvest rainwater.
  • Carmel & District Cricket Club are investing their £3,008 grant on a replacement propane tank installed in 1995 with a new insulated tank made for their needs.

Gwynedd

  • Infrared heating will replace the current system at Aberdovey Golf Club. Their £1,837 grant will help them become more environmentally and financially sustainable.
  • Caernarfon Golf Club are investing their £10,710 grant in a borehole, which will pump water straight to the greens with little to no cost. Recycling groundwater will also reduce their demand on the public water mains.
  • Clwb Rygbi Caernarfon will reduce its energy bills to provide a community hub for all of their users. Thanks to a grant of £25,000, they will install solar panels, LED lighting and insulation.
  • A £12,576 grant to install a battery for their existing solar panels will help Clwb Rygbi Dolgellau manage their increasing bills, allowing them to continue to support their members and community groups.
  • At St Davids Golf Club in Harlech, solar panels and battery storage will be installed using their £25,000 grant. With average monthly bills of £3,000, the solar panels will help reduce costs, protecting both the environment and the club's future.

Merthyr Tydfil

  • A club that crucially serves both a lower socio-economic community and hosts high-profile championships and events, Morlais Castle Golf Club was awarded £22,440 to invest in a borehole – helping combat rising costs and prepare for water shortages.
  • £4,920 was awarded to Dowlais RFC to replace the 35-year-old attic insulation which was removed following a series of refurbishments to improve sustainability.

Monmouthshire

  • Abergavenny RFC is using their £11,040 grant to install energy storage batteries. As most of their electricity is used in the evening, storing energy from their existing solar panels will help financially and will benefit other local organisations who use their clubhouse in the evening
  • £17,458 was awarded to Chepstow RFC for the installation of solar panels. A safe, inclusive, and inspiring club for players of all ages and backgrounds, they are keen to save on costs sustainably to grow and give back to their teams.

Neath Port Talbot

  • A £25,000 grant for solar panels will see reduced energy costs and carbon footprint at Briton Ferry Llansawel AFC. They plan to promote environmental and sustainability education to their members.
  • Briton Ferry Steelworks Cricket Club will use their £20,922 to install solar panels and LED lighting. With increased operating costs, these new additions will help power community activities.
  • Solar panels will be installed at Neath Golf Club thanks to a £25,000 grant, which will see reduced bills and running costs. This energy will also allow golf buggies to be continually charged, meaning more golfers can access the mountain course.
  • Briton Ferry RFC will use their £20,536 grant for insulation, LED lighting and uPVC to help lower running costs. Savings will be invested back into the community.
  • Skewen Cricket Club has seen costs rise over the last three years. Installing solar panels using their £24,565 grant will reduce costs and environmental impact, allowing them to become a hub for sport in the local community.
  • Afan Community Fitness Suite promote health and wellbeing in the local community. By installing solar panels, they will be able to stay open for longer and reduce their bills with their grant of £20,784.
  • Using £18,140 of funding, solar panels, a combination boiler and LED lighting indoors will be installed at Baglan RFC to help reduce yearly gas and electricity bills.
  • More people are using Resolven AFC’s facilities. Their £25,000 grant for solar panels will help the club save money and become self-reliant. Savings will be reinvested into the football team and to support the wider community.
  • Goytre United Football Club will use a £15,704 grant to replace their outdated boiler, as the use of the ground is growing. The club will use the savings to become a hub for the current and expanding teams.
  • At Crimla Football Club, an £11,809 grant will be used for solar panels and insulation, which will see lower bills and long-term investment. Savings will be reinvested into improving club facilities.
  • Like many clubs and communities impacted by the cost-of-living crisis, Tonmawr RFC are championing sustainability with their £23,902 grant. Installing solar panels and a battery storage unit means the clubcan continue delivering community sport and expand its veteran men’s, women’s, mini and junior teams.
  • A £22,396 grant was awarded to Port Talbot Town Cricket Club. They're removing and relocating the existing solar thermal system, installing new solar panels with three energy storage batteries, and makingelectrical upgrades.

Newport

  • Malpas Cricket Club are aiming for net zero energy. Using their £14,164 grant to install solar panels, the savings made will be invested in the youth and women’s teams.
  • With poor supply leaving all clubhouse and shower facilities without water access, Newport Cricket Club are using their £25,000 grant to invest in a borehole, providing consistent access to water that is cheaper and more eco-friendly.
  • Newport Squash Rackets Club received £15,748 to replace broken heating units for their courts. This means they can target specific courts which are in use and save on costs.

Pembrokeshire

  • Investing in their community, Haverfordwest Bowls Club are investing their £25,000 grant in solar panels and insulation, upgrading their boiler and radiators and double-glazing their windows. This allows them to continue holding events and activities during winter.
  • Cresselly Cricket Club weathers a lot of storms, strong winds and heavy rain. Their £18,529 grant will install uPVC windows and doors, protecting from damp and mould and improving energy costs and carbon footprint.
  • A grant of £6,891 was awarded to Fishguard & Goodwick Bowls Club who are investing in solar panels and insulation to improve energy efficiency.
  • Tenby Sailing Club are investing in a more sustainable and eco-friendly future. The grant of £23,316 will go towards replacing the rotten wood frames of their windows and upgrading to double glazing.
  • Milford Haven Bowling Club are installing solar panels with their £8,580 grant – helping with utility costs and improving sustainability.
  • £9,728 was awarded to Tenby United RFC who are replacing their expired heating system with a new energy efficient unit and upgrading all lighting in two changing rooms to LED alternatives. Lighting sensors and timers will also be installed.
  • Pembroke Dock Bowling Club were awarded £10,970 for solar panels, an LED lighting upgrade plus sensors, and loft insulation improvement to future-proof their club.
  • Letterston AFC’s grant of £11,907 will invest in solar panels, helping save on energy costs to allow them to continue supporting the local community.
  • £6,178 was awarded to Fishguard & Goodwick RFC who are adding to their energy storage batteries. Currently generating more solar energy than they can store, the additional storage will not only help fund their services including providing free hot meals for teams, but also prevent energy waste.
  • Llechryd Cricket Club is reducing their reliance on mains water by investing in a borehole with their £23,311 grant. The club wants to improve sustainability and reduce costs as it grows.

Powys

  • Llanidloes Rugby Football Club are investing in solar panels and energy storage batteries with their £20,159 grant, helping improve energy efficiency and costs.
  • Guilsfield Community Bowling Club were awarded £11,342 to install solar panels and storage batteries.
  • Abercrave RFC aim to set a leading example in energy sustainability by upgrading their changing rooms’ outdated heating and water systems with energy efficient alternatives, and by swapping all lighting to LED with their £19,675 grant.
  • Brecon RFC is putting their £18,706 grant towards their long-term sustainability strategy by installing solar panels. By reducing operating costs, the club can continue supporting junior, community and inclusive activities.
  • £25,000 was awarded to Glynneath Golf Club who are replacing damaged double-glazed windowpanes and installing a new energy-efficient boiler, solar panels and storage batteries. Located in an under-served community, the club aims to invest back into the local area.

Rhondda Cynon Taf

  • AFC Llwydcoed will be using their £25,000 grant to install solar panels and storage batteries. 
  • Aberdare Golf Club currently has limited water access from a small local reservoir. After consulting with a water extraction expert, they are putting their £13,898 grant towards a borehole.
  • £15,518 was awarded to Treorchy Rugby Football Club to install solar panels. The investment will help ease rising energy costs, support decarbonisation goals and create a greener, more future-proof community space.
  • Reducing carbon emissions, Penygraig Rugby Football Club are using their £25,000 grant to install solar panels and upgrade their insulation and heating systems – the existing fittings date back to the 70s.
  • Rhondda Golf Club Ltd has been losing heat and water efficiency with its double glazing and borehole from the 80s. They were awarded £17,108 to install new high quality, double-glazed windows and doors, and a new borehole for a stronger, more reliable and sustainable water source.
  • £23,499 was awarded to Llantrisant & Pontyclun Golf Club for solar panels and energy storage. The club is determined to lower carbon emissions and reinvest back into enhancing facilities, expanding community programmes, and increasing opportunities for juniors and those with disabilities.
  • As part of their strategic 5-year plan, Mountain Ash Golf Club are combating their carbon footprint and are investing in solar panels with a £16,141 grant.

Swansea

  • £22,800 was awarded to South Gower Sports Club, who are investing in a greener future with solar panels.
  • Garden Village AFC Sports & Social Club are using their £2,880 grant to upgrade their existing solar panel fittings with new storage batteries.
  • A grant of £25,000 was awarded to West Street Gymnastics Club which will provide new insulation for their gymnastics centre which has been impacted by severe condensation.
  • Tennis Swansea 365 are keen to become carbon neutral, using their £17,400 grant to improve upon their existing solar panels and batteries, and add effective insulation in the reception, gym and physio room.
  • £15,832 was awarded to Langland Bay Lifeguard Club, who are replacing their 20+ year old heating and hot water system with a modern and efficient alternative, as well as installing solar panels to help with costs and energy efficiency.
  • Community Urban Skills Project are using their grant of £21,075 to install solar panels to become more self-reliant, improve sustainability and reduce costs.
  • Vardre RFC were awarded £12,040 to install solar panels and energy storage batteries. Located in one of the areas in Wales most affected by multiple forms of deprivation, including child poverty, the club provides free sports opportunities, warm meals after matches and a stocked boot room for the players and community.
  • £21,170 was awarded to Pontarddulais RFC to invest in solar panels. They are committed to sustainability and serving the youth and adults of their community.
  • On the next phase of their sustainability journey, Mond Valley Golf Club was awarded £19,968 to install a borehole and update their 50,000-litre storage tank. Savings made will benefit 500+ members by keeping membership fees down and reinvestments back into the club.
  • £25,000 was awarded to Bonymaen RFC who are investing in a borehole, solar panels and energy storage batteries. The club has forecasted annual savings of £2,500 on water usage and £3,000 on electricity.
  • Ynystawe Cricket Club are upgrading their current rainwater collection system with their £25,000 grant. This will help avoid damage to the clubhouse, allow effective collection of rainwater, and reduce financial loss due to metered supply water.

Torfaen 

  • Cwmbran Celtic Football Club, are making changes towards greener energy by putting their £18,944 grant towards installing solar panels and energy batteries, plus replacing all changing room lights with LED units.
  • Awarded £9,782, Fairfield United Junior & Mini FC are installing solar panels, helping lower energy bills to free up funds for player development and club initiatives and reduce carbon footprint.
  • Vital to the local community, Garndiffaith Rugby Football Club provides hot meals to players on training and match days, and is also a hub for local bingo nights, birthdays and more. The club was awarded £12,418 to install solar panels and batteries to help with cost efficiency.
  • £8,273 was awarded to Blaenavon Rugby Football Club are installing solar panels and batteries, allowing them to reinvest and improve facilities and support grassroots rugby development while remaining sustainable.
  • £15,476 was awarded to Pontnewynydd Cricket Club, who are installing a new hot water system and energy-efficient boiler, upgrading single-glazed windows and improving an area of roof insulation.

Vale of Glamorgan

  • Penarth Bowling Club, who have been affected by rising energy costs, were granted £15,335 to invest in solar panels and improve insulation over the bar/dining area. They aim to switch to renewable energy where possible to benefit both the club and community.
  • £23,554 was awarded to Windsor LTC Penarth for solar panels, as part of their roof replacement and improvement.
  • A £25,000 grant was awarded to Glamorganshire Golf Club, who have been affected by droughts. They’re replacing their currently leaking unit with a larger and more efficient storage tank and pump.
  • £20,000 was awarded to Brynhill Golf Club who are installing an energy-efficient heating and hot water system, improving insulation throughout the building and installing solar panels with battery storage.
  • Barry Yacht Club were awarded £25,000 to install solar panels and replace external lights with LED alternatives.
  • A £25,000 grant was awarded to Penarth Sea Cadets who are upgrading cladding and insulation with more effective and sustainable options.
  • Southerndown Golf Club are using their £25,000 grant to reduce its carbon footprint and reliance on fossil fuels by installing solar panels.

Wrexham 

  • Currently relying on donated convector heaters in the club pavilion, Garden Village Bowling Club are using their £1,584 grant to install permanent and energy-efficient heating.

Ynys Môn

  • A rapidly growing club, CPD Aberffraw has seen more demand on their facilities. They are installing solar panels with their £6,420, contributing to the national climate goals.
  • Anglesey Golf Club’s heating system has seen little modernisation over the years. A £24,000 grant will allow the club to upgrade to a new boiler. This could help them save £12,000 annually and lower their running costs.
  • £7,894 was awarded to Menai Bridge Cricket Club. As part of their extensive club improvements towards sustainability and reaching environmental objectives, they are installing energy storage batteries to support their solar panels.