Help is out there to assist development of sports clubs in Conwy

Report by Don Hale

Sport Conwy is trying to identify any local sports clubs who may be in search of financial support, advice, or generous assistance, to help improve and develop the welfare of their club and membership.

First set up in 1996, this organisation is run by volunteers and has a prestigious track record in supporting local clubs through its Coach Education programme, and its talented Athlete Programme, whilst promoting them through its website, and within their bi-annual “Stopwatch” publication.

Sport Conwy secretary, and Conwy Council officer, Caroline Jones explained: “We would really like to increase the reach of Sport Conwy. We have established a cohort of clubs who affiliate year on year, however, we know there are many more clubs out there in Conwy who could also benefit from the organisation.

“It would be great to hear success stories from clubs – grant successes, club developments, and any athlete successes, as all are featured in our own magazine published bi-annually.

“Over the past three-years, Sport Conwy has worked very hard to move with the times, and we have made significant improvements to integrate technology into our organisation. It is completely run by volunteers, who remain the backbone of all sporting provision, and without volunteers, many sports clubs would simply not exist.“

An affiliation fee of just £30 is all that is required annually to join Sport Conwy, and yet, for this small donation, members receive numerous benefits including: – Discounted Coach Education courses in Safeguarding, First Aid and Disability Inclusion access to funding for regional level athletes through the Personal Development Grant, and a Sports Injury Grant.

Clubs are also provided with guidance and advice on funding for club and workforce developments, safeguarding, national governing body guidance and many new initiatives. Each of these provide access to funds to support the costs associated with competing at a regional level – accommodation, travel, equipment, physio fees etc.

John Hatton, the treasurer of Sport Conwy, emphasised the enormous benefits and opportunities presented by membership: “All sports clubs can affiliate, and by affiliating it has so many advantages, such as access to several grants etc. We want Sport Conwy to prosper so that we can continue to help all local clubs, and last year we handed out grants totalling over £5,000.”

Sport Conwy additionally supports the Conwy County Borough Council annual sports awards ceremony, and the organisation were title sponsors in 2018/19, prior to the pandemic. Numerous nominations for awards come from Sport Conwy affiliated clubs, and each club is allocated tickets to attend the ceremony.

The organisation has a dedicated website that allows all clubs to affiliate, and to be able to book any specific courses electronically. It also has a prominent social media presence online via Twitter and Facebook. And Sport Conwy are also seeking sponsorship from local businesses who would like to appear on their website.

*For further details please contact Caroline Jones, the Leisure Development Officer for CCBC, who can be contacted on Tel 01492-575557, or by email: sportconwy@conwy.gov.uk. Alternatively, on Twitter or Facebook @sportconwy, or via their website link: http://www.sportconwy.org.uk