MICRO FUND CASE STUDY
JUNE 27th 2020
AFC Aberaman
AFC Aberaman were awarded a Micro Fund grant of £2,297.25 to support summer training and some kit and equipment. They had a difficult couple of years and had a clear plan to offer training out of season and new kit and equipment to keep players and volunteers engaged and start to develop their sustainability.
“We have developed our physical and mental fitness and playing skills through the extra pre-season training matches provided and the extra 3G mid-week training sessions financed by the grant. We also have a much stronger committee who have remained positive throughout the many challenges presented during a tough and turbulent season.
We have retained our team of young, keen, committed players. We have also attracted more new players into the team and now have a much larger supporter base. We will enter the 2020/21 Season from a much better financial position.
Incredibly sadly, we lost one of our previously signed players who died in an accident and this massive shock obviously affected all of our lads, committee, and supporters. As a tribute, we had our last season’s tops and training tops embroidered with his name and will have a special remembrance friendly match just before the new season starts. Moving forward, the search is on for a second goalkeeper and we are all looking forward to the upcoming 2020/21 Season – #UpTheAmbers2020.”
The Fund was established by energy company Vattenfall to benefit the communities hosting the Pen y Cymoedd wind farm across the upper Neath, Afan, Rhondda and Cynon Valleys. It exists to support local people, groups and organisations to invest in themselves, their ideas and their communities.
The Community Fund has a substantial annual budget that is index-linked, meaning it increases in line with inflation. As an example, this equated to around £2.5 million in 2025. The Fund will continue to support communities until 2043, creating long-term opportunities for growth, resilience and positive change.
The Fund is managed by an independent, locally based not-for-profit Community Interest Company. It is overseen by a Board of Directors with strong local connections and delivered by a small but dedicated staff team with extensive community engagement experience. We are here to help ensure the Fund delivers on the vision and priorities of local communities.
Over the next 10 years, the Fund is focusing on investment in people, places and businesses — helping the Valleys to thrive, driving bold ideas, supporting transformation and creating lasting impact for current and future generations.