Today, the Government has announced the allocations for the next £5.735 Wales investment for 2026/27 for grassroots sports facilities, part of a £400 million boost launched by the Government in June 2025.
I know how important grassroots sport is here in Newport East. I speak with clubs and groups regularly and hear from them how much-needed funding has the ability to transform lives and develop our city’s sporting talent.
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CEO of Football Association of Wales Noel Money said:
We’re delighted to share details of the projects that have been supported this year alongside additional funding awarded that will enable the development of new facilities. We look forward to working with UK Government and partners to deliver quality and impactful facilities in targeted communities across Wales.
And the Director of Cymru Football Foundation, Aled Lewis, is on side, saying:
“We look forward to working with UK Government and partners to deliver quality and impactful facilities in targeted communities across Wales .”
Through new local sports facilities or critical upgrades to outdated facilities, the funding will deliver:
- New 3G grass pitches enabling year-round play regardless of weather
- Upgraded changing pavilions with more appropriate changing facilities for women and girls
- Floodlighting to extend playing hours into evenings and car parking for better accessibility
- New goalposts, fencing and storage facilities to improve safety and access
- Priority use time slots for women and girls teams at funded sites
- Facilities that can host PE and school activities alongside community use
- Sites that support health initiatives and community outreach programmes
The funding is designed to promote health, wellbeing and community cohesion, remove the barriers to physical activity for under-represented groups (such as women and girls, people with disabilities, and ethnic minority communities), and support the Government’s Plan for Change by breaking down barriers to opportunity and delivering an NHS fit for the future.
I’ll share more information on the application process as soon as it opens. Keep an eye on my social media and WhatsApp Channel for more information.