Making a splash - £5million to transform Welsh sporting facilities and iconic pool

Half the money will be used to secure the future of the Urdd swimming pool, another £1.45m to support women’s football and golf and the rest on a variety of sports across Wales.

Over the course of this Senedd term, the Welsh Government has provided Sport Wales with £59million to enhance both community and elite sports facilities throughout the country.

Minister for Sport, Jack Sargeant, who visited Gwersyll Llangrannog said yesterday, said:

"The Welsh Government is committed to ensuring sports facilities are accessible, sustainable, and fit for future generations and this money will help secure the future of this really important local facility.

“Sport plays a vital role in delivering our Cymraeg 2050 ambitions. Our investment in the facilities at Llangrannog will strengthen the centre’s ability to offer thousands of young people more informal opportunities to use and develop their Welsh language skills. It will also create jobs and provide upskilling opportunities in a region that is essential to the sustainability of the Welsh language.

"The remaining funding will deliver meaningful improvements to facilities nationwide – from grassroots football pitches to elite cycling venues. Whether it's a child learning to swim in Ceredigion, a young footballer training in Newport, or a local tennis club reducing its energy bills, this money will make a real difference to people and sport across the nation."

Securing the future of swimming at Llangrannog

Gwersyll yr Urdd Llangrannog has long been a vital Welsh language educational and recreational centre, serving children and young people from across Wales, as well as providing important employment and community facilities for Ceredigion residents.

Current facilities are not accessible for disabled users, and changing facilities no longer meet the needs of visitors. The £2.5million investment will transform the pool into a modern, accessible facility fit for the 21st century.

Siân Lewis, Chief Executive of the Urdd, said:

“The swimming pool has been an essential part of Gwersyll Llangrannog’s offer since the 1970s. This investment will provide a reliable, seven day a week facility that promotes health and wellbeing, creates new jobs, and makes the pool fully accessible for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility. By reducing our carbon footprint, and expanding opportunities for community access, this redevelopment will deliver lasting benefits for both Llangrannog and the wider community.

“On behalf of the Urdd, I would like to thank Welsh Government for supporting our vision and helping us to continue our mission to offer valuable experiences to all children and young people across Wales.”

Investment pan Wales

The additional £2.5million will fund various new and innovative projects, including:

Major facility upgrades:

• £1million for FAW to develop girls' and grassroots facilities at Dragon Park, Newport, including a new 3G pitch
• £300,000 for Wales Golf's G4D Legacy Fund
• £150,000 for Wales Golf's National Inclusive Coaching Centre

Athletics improvements:

• Equipment upgrades at Leckwith including new steeplechase barriers and a water jump barrier

• £67,500 to resurface the track at the Geraint Thomas National Velodrome of Wales
• £37,000 for sports hall floor improvements at the Active Living Centre in Newport

Performance support:

• £15,500 for Hoci Cymru's Euro 2027 performance support programme
• £60,000 for RYA Cymru Wales double-handed pathway provision

Sport Wales will also help clubs and facilities to reduce their energy costs through a range of upgrades. These include solar panels, battery storage, LED lighting, more efficient heating systems, and improved pool equipment.

The programme will support facilities in Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire, Powys, Vale of Glamorgan, Wrexham, and Blaenau Gwent. Sports clubs benefiting from the scheme include those representing sailing, cricket, golf, rugby, bowls, tennis, shooting, and snow sports.

Brian Davies, Sport Wales Chief Executive said:

"I am extremely grateful to both Sport Wales staff and Government officials that have worked so hard to secure this additional capital funding which we very much welcome.

"It is a further demonstration of how much sport is valued, with worthwhile projects receiving funding across a range of sports and communities.”

Additionally on Thursday, the Minister took the opportunity to visit the newly refurbished facilities at Aberaeron Leisure Centre which have just been completed thanks to almost £124,000 of Welsh Government funding delivered through Sport Wales.

The upgraded sports hall now benefits both the Ceredigion Netball League and neighbouring comprehensive school pupils, whilst offering a broader range of sporting opportunities for the whole community.

In a first for Council-operated facilities in Wales, the new floor includes line markings for Boccia and Pickleball, making the hall more inclusive for people of all ages and abilities.