Grassroots sports clubs in Wales are becoming greener, and cheaper to run, thanks to £1.7m worth of Energy Saving Grants awarded by Sport Wales.

97 sports clubs – from across all 22 local authority areas – have received funding to pay for energy saving improvements such as solar panels and insulation upgrades that will lower their energy costs and carbon footprints.

The Energy Saving Grant was first introduced by Sport Wales last year using Welsh Government funding, and due to high demand grants were offered again this year, with clubs able to apply for up to £25,000.

The funding helps clubs to continue offering a wide range of affordable opportunities for people to get active. With lower energy bills, clubs become more financially sustainable whilst also doing their bit for the environment.

The grants awarded in Brecon and Radnorshire are:

• Brecon RFC will install solar panels onto its clubhouse roof thanks to a grant of £18,727. The solar panels will help the club become more financially and environmentally sustainable.

• At Presteigne Bowling Club’s clubhouse, £13,065 will be used to replace existing lighting with LEDs and to install solar panels. These upgrades will help the club to save energy.

• Llandrindod Wells Bowling Club will use £21,130 to upgrade their existing lights with LEDs and install solar panels on the clubhouse, which will considerably offset the current energy usage of the club.

• The clubhouse at Cradoc Golf Club is currently heated by an old oil-fired boiler. With £17,760 of funding, they will install a new, energy-efficient heating system on the premises.

• To help combat rising energy bills, Presteigne St Andrews FC will use £15,798 of funding to install solar panels on their clubhouse.

Brian Davies, CEO of Sport Wales said: “Rising energy bills are threatening the very existence of some clubs, so we’re thrilled to help protect their future so that they can continue offering vital services to people in their local communities.

“Enabling clubs in Wales to improve their sustainability will also go a long way to lessening the impact of sport in Wales on climate change and the environment.”

The Energy Saving Grants have been made possible thanks to a total £8m worth of capital funding for 2024-25 which has been allocated to Sport Wales by the Welsh Government.