Mountain Ash Golf Club – Training area for Junior Members
JUNE 10th 2021
In 2019 we awarded a Micro Fund grant of £5,000 to Mountain Ash Golf Club based in Cefnpennar.
In March 2018, they were recognised as Junior Golf Club of the Year 2017 by Golf Wales. In March 2016 the club had 1 junior member and embarked on an initiative to increase junior members, and worked with Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council Sports Department, Cynon Valley schools, Wales Golf and the Sports Wales. At the time of application, the club had 61 members aged 4-17 years. However, they lacked space for practice facilities. They identified a within the confines of the course and secured match funding of £23,000 from Sports Wales.
The application to Pen y Cymoedd was successful because: they had match funding / plan was clearly thought out and would have direct impact for junior membership as well as wider membership. This facility would allow junior members to continue to improve and be able to practice in safety without being restricted to a specific time for practice sessions.
Around 450 trees were removed to create the practice area but as part of plan they planted 600 trees to replace those lost. They were donated by Woodland Trust and Groundwork UK. They engaged with local schools to help with planting the saplings. The practice area is fully operational now and was opened following initial lockdown. The junior section is using it for their Saturday coaching sessions as planned. A number of our members regularly use the practice area.
Membership has increased by 125 people in the last 15 months ago and junior membership levels maintained. As they emerge fully from lockdown, they are excited to allow all members, old and new back to site playing sport in a beautiful, well-resourced environment.
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.