AS the new sporting season begins, Carmarthenshire is set to see a significant upgrade to its sports facilities, thanks to an investment of over £500,000 from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). This funding aims to provide a substantial boost to local teams and sports enthusiasts across the county.

Major Developments

One of the most significant projects includes the development of a new 3G sports pitch at Llandovery Rugby Football Club. This community-led initiative will be accessible to local sports clubs and schools, enhancing the sporting experience for many. Additional improvements to the site will feature LED floodlighting, a spectator viewing area, and new pathways surrounding the pitch. Further details about this development can be found on the council’s website.

Actif Communities Officers are on hand to support sports clubs and volunteers in Carmarthenshire. Their assistance includes guidance on grants and finance, marketing and promotion, recruiting new members, and general management. Clubs looking to benefit from this support are encouraged to visit the Actif Sport and Leisure website for more information.

Funding for Community Sports

Sport Wales is playing a crucial role in distributing funding to community clubs, volunteers, and athletes across Carmarthenshire. Their specialist grants team is available to provide information and support on various funding needs, including setting up new teams, upgrading facilities, and supporting individual athletes.

Council Support and Statement

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure, Culture and Tourism, Councillor Hazel Evans, praised the investment, stating:

“Investment into our county’s sports clubs is a great way to encourage the community to lead healthier and more active lives by participating in club sports. This funding means the Council can carry out necessary work and improve the experience of users and spectators at Carmarthenshire’s sporting venues.”

Other Funded Projects in Carmarthenshire

The UKSPF is also supporting numerous other sports facilities across the county, with several projects already underway:

• Carmarthen Town Football Club: Installation of new LED floodlights, a PA system, and solar panels. Floodlight Renewal Scheme 2023 (gov.wales)
• Cwmaman United: This project includes LED lighting, solar panel updates to changing rooms, the development of a mini pitch, and the planting of 100 trees. Parc Grenig: Pathway to Sustainability (gov.wales)
• Felinfoel RFC: Installation of LED bulbs and new electrical wiring on the floodlights at King George V playing fields. Felinfoel RFC Floodlights (gov.wales)
• Tumble RFC: A professional team has been appointed to oversee the development of a new community facility to complement existing provisions. Development of new Community Facility (gov.wales)
• Glynhir Golf Club: Funding has enabled the creation of a new six-hole circuit and practice area, with improved access for walkers, buggies, and wheelchair users. Glynhir Circuit & Participation Project (gov.wales)
• Clwb Rygbi Pontiets Ltd: Improved drainage of the main pitch and installation of new LED floodlights to boost player numbers among the mini and junior sections. Clwb Rygbi Pontiets Ltd (gov.wales)
• Clwb Rygbi Brynaman: New changing room facilities will include lockers, benches, showers, lighting, and a ventilation system. Refurbishment of the current Community Changing Rooms (gov.wales)
• Parc Stephens Community Association: Support for phase 1 of improvements, including a feasibility study on new sporting facilities with a floodlit training facility on the tennis courts. Parc Stephens Community Association (gov.wales)
• Penybanc Welfare Association: Installation of new LED floodlights to enhance the club and increase the number of young people using the facility. Pen Y Banc Welfare Association (gov.wales)
• Pontyberem Rugby Football Club: New floodlights will enhance the club’s facilities, allowing for more evening matches. Pontyberem RFC Floodlights (gov.wales)
• Llannon Community Council: Funding a feasibility study for improvements at Cross Hands Park, considering new changing rooms, shower facilities, a natural turf pitch, and a community space. Cross Hands Park Redevelopment – Feasibility Study and Masterplan (gov.wales)
• Canolfan Carwyn: A new community gym has been established to support the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of the community. Community Well-Being Programme (gov.wales)

This wave of investment and development signifies a major step forward for sports facilities in Carmarthenshire, with the promise of a more vibrant and active community.

LAST Saturday (Sept 15), promotion-chasing Fishguard Sports hosted a struggling Carew Reserves side at the picturesque Tregroes Ground, hoping to reignite their season. Full credit to the Fishguard ground staff, as the pitch and facilities were in exceptional condition—the best they’ve been since the team moved from St Mary’s.

A lively home crowd gathered as referee Martin Jones kicked off the match promptly at 14:30. By 14:31, Fishguard had already taken the lead. A perfectly timed long ball from captain Patrick Hughes split the Carew defence, allowing Haydn Hughes to finish smartly and put the home side ahead. According to the referee, the goal came just 47 seconds into the game, making it one of the fastest goals this season—and possibly in many others!

From there, the tone was set for a dominant first half from Fishguard, with Carew struggling to keep pace. While Tyler Worrall and Ethan Shapcott offered some energy for the visitors, Fishguard’s quality shone through. Just before the break, Ieuan Llewellyn doubled the lead, sending the home team into the dressing room 2-0 up and in complete control.

Carew’s legendary player-turned-manager, Haydn Shapcott, had plenty to address at half-time and to their credit, Carew started the second half brightly, pressing forward and showing intent to make a contest of it. However, against the run of play, Gregg Hughes struck Fishguard’s third, effectively ending any hope of a comeback.

With the result no longer in doubt, the only question was how many more Fishguard could score. The answer: two. Luke Thomas and “Chunky” Couzens added their names to the scoresheet, capping off a commanding 5-0 win for the home side. But for brothers Steve & Matt Lewis effectively going for the same ball with the goal empty and yet somehow missing, the score could have been even better for the Sports!

On this form, Fishguard Sports look like serious contenders for promotion, but with Division Two shaping up to be fiercely competitive this season, manager Phil Jones will know they can’t afford any slip-ups. As for Carew, though the result was disappointing, there were enough positive signs to suggest they have the ability to avoid relegation.

A professional and disciplined performance from Fishguard left little work for the match official, making it a great day for the home team.

Final score: Fishguard Sports 5-0 Carew Reserves.

CYMRU Football Foundation’s Fit-For-Future Facilities Programme is supporting the development of a new 3G pitch at Greenhill School, Tenby.

Pembrokeshire Leisure has successfully secured a £407,000 grant to replace the old astro turf pitch with a new 3G facility that will enhance the provision for both the school and community clubs.

Cllr Rhys Sinnett, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services said: “This project will play a significant role in ensuring that Pembrokeshire can continue to provide first class facilities across the county.

“The collaboration led by Pembrokeshire County Council’s leisure section and incorporating the Cymru Football Foundation, Sport Wales, Greenhill School and the community clubs will provide us with a fantastic facility for everyone.”

The Cymru Football Foundation, supported by UK Government, is delivering the Football Association of Wales’ commitment to deliver inspirational, Fit-For-Future Facilities to enrich communities across the country.

Find out more by visiting the Foundation’s website (opens in new window).

Pictured: Gary Nicholas (Leisure Services Manager, Pembrokeshire Leisure), Angie Nicholls (Pembrokeshire Schools Football), Cllr Sam Skyrme Blackhall, Steph Amos (Tenby Leisure Centre), David Haynes (Head Teacher – Greenhill Secondary School) and Mark Hughes (Cymru Football Foundation).