Energy Saving Grants Awarded to Local Sports Clubs Across Gwent

Across Gwent 12 community sports clubs have been awarded £212,178 in funding support to make their clubhouse facilities more sustainable, helping to reduce energy costs and create better environments for everyone who takes part.

Thanks to this funding from The Energy Saving grant administered by Sport Wales and funded by the Welsh Government, clubs have been able to complete a wide range of improvements to the non-playing areas, including:

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.

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.

• £15,585 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 used for solar panels and battery storage for their clubhouse. This will allow them to invest more in coach education, equipment, and longer operating hours.

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.

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.

• Stow Park Lawn Tennis Club are installing a solar system and battery storage unit with their £17,502 grant, allowing the club to generate and store renewable energy on-site, lowering bills and improving sustainability.

The fund will open once again between the 26th May - 29th June 2026 for initial expressions of interest and can be used to make changes to facilities that will enable clubs to make energy saving costs. This can include things such as Solar Panels, Energy efficient windows and doors, heating and water systems as well as sustainable water systems such as rainfall capture.

What else do you need to know?

Applications can be made for a total of £25,000 and groups must be able to contribute at least 20% of the total cost, which can include the energy survey. To be eligible you must be a not-for-profit sports club or group owning the building or having at least 7 years remaining on the lease, able to start the project by 31st March 2027 and complete within 12 months of being awarded the funding.

GAVO's Community Development officers are on hand to support clubs undertake the initial steps in preparing to make an application and provide further information.

To request support or more information please complete the form below