Fifteen Vale of Glamorgan-based clubs and organisations are celebrating a special funding package of over £13,500 to help them develop a range of new opportunities for sports and physical activities.

The Community Chest grants, which include seven maximum awards of £1,000, have been agreed in partnership by the Sports Council for Wales and the Vale of Glamorgan Council’s sports and play development team.

Among those receiving the maximum £1,000 are ‘Inner Spirit’, who will use their funding to set up a Tae Kwondo Club, while ‘Reach Supported Living’ will be creating up an activity group for disabled people.

The other five organisations receiving the maximum grant are:

• Vale Cricket Club – to fund courses to improve coaching standards;

• Barry Windsurfing Association – to coach juniors and beginners;

• Barry Amateur Swimming Club – to improve coaching standards;

• Barry Romilly Bowling Club – equipment and training to promote junior bowls;

• Penarth Lawn Tennis Club – workshops and coaching courses;

Other awards went to:

• Vale District Scout Council – £995.90 to provide archery sessions;

• Colcot Sports ABC - £966 for boxing coaching courses and to provide table tennis sessions;

• Llantwit Major Netball Club - £921 to establish a netball club;

• Barry Netball Club - £920 to improve coaching standards and purchase equipment;

• Barry & Vale Harriers - £896.75 to set up a disability athletics section;

• Penarth Petanque Club - £860.30 to improve coaching standards;

• Cowbridge Junior Squash Club - £650 to develop junior squash;

• Llantwit Major Bowls Club - £300 to purchase an indoor bowls short mat for play during the winter.

The Vale Council’s sports and play development manager Karen Davies, who is also an advisor on the grant panel, said: "The Community Chest scheme is continuing to grow and we are delighted to be able to help provide further local opportunities for sports and physical activities. If there are any clubs, organisations or workplaces who would like to apply for grants, please get in touch."

The panel sits every two months and the deadline for the next round of applications is Monday, 3 November.

To discuss a potential application, please call Karen Davies on 01446 704614 while to request an application form, call Julie Morgan on 01446 704754. For further information about sporting opportunities in the Vale of Glamorgan, visit www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk/sportsdevelopment.