Lotto Sports Facilities for Carmarthen

The Sports Council for Wales is releasing £428,467 from its lottery budget to invest into sports facilities in Carmarthenshire.

Ammanford is set for a sporting explosion after the Sports Council’s National SPORTLOT panel agreed to invest lottery funds into a local project.

In a partnership application between Ammanford Sports Association and Carmarthenshire County Council, work can now start on major developments at the Recreation Ground.

The revamp will consist of:

• construction of a new changing pavilion, a boxing gymnasium, a fitness training area, an additional rugby pitch, an additional football pitch, and two mini-pitches;
• improvements to existing pitches;
• floodlighting of two pitches; and
• demolition of existing rugby changing rooms and stand.

The Sports Association has undertaken a detailed consultation process where all clubs have produced sports development plans in order to identify the facilities needed. Supported by the local authority, the project is expected to deliver a significant impact on sporting opportunities in the area and help to raise performance levels.

SCW Chief Executive Dr Huw Jones explains:

"The National Lottery is making a massive contribution to sport in Wales, impacting on provision throughout Wales. Schemes like this are making a significant difference to participation and performance and, ultimately, the health of the nation."

Since the lottery began in 1995, the Sports Council has spent more than £100 million on much-needed facilities right across Wales.  The vast majority of investment has supported the development of multi-sport facilities. In addition, sports-specific facilities have been developed.

"We have quite a balancing act when it comes to lottery investment. It is channelled into buildings and people – creating new facilities, improving existing facilities, supporting volunteers, establishing clubs, supporting the disabled and providing back-up to our talented athletes".

"Nearly £1m is annually pumped into Dragon Sport to get more primary school children playing sport", Jones added.

Facility grants range from practice and playing pitches, to large items of equipment such as boats for disabled anglers. National and regional specialist competition and training facilities, which are essential if Wales’s young talented athletes are to compete on the international stage, are also supported.

For more information, please contact Jane Williams at the Sports Council for Wales on 029 2030 0527.
Alternatively, contact Carmarthenshire County Council on 01267 234567.