James MS urges Welsh Government to boost funding for rugby clubs as community hubs

James Evans has asked the Welsh Government what financial support it can give rugby clubs to help them become community hubs. Video from Senedd.tv

Transcript

00:00as the well-being of the animals.

00:02Question, Paduaire, James Evans.

00:04The Alclower, I'd like to refer members to my register of interest.

00:07First Minister, how is the Welsh Government supporting grassroots rugby?

00:11Welsh Government recognises how important rugby is in Wales

00:14and has given substantial sums to clubs via Sports Wales,

00:17which has helped to improve club facilities,

00:20including those in Brecon and Bilth Wells,

00:23and encourages people to become more active.

00:25And some of this money will be spent via the WIU

00:29to drive the club investment model that they're promoting.

00:33I'd like to thank you for your answer, First Minister.

00:35As you said, the Welsh Rugby Unum unveiled this new community investment model,

00:39a significant cultural shift, designed not just to reward on-field success,

00:44but also to champion clubs' off-field work,

00:46including governance, community engagement, volunteer development,

00:50facility improvement, and inclusive practices.

00:53It's very interesting, First Minister, the money that the UK Government is putting into this scheme.

00:57And I know the Minister of Social Partnership with Sport has also put money into the FAW in this space.

01:03So I'm just interested in how much more additional money can the Welsh Government put into the Welsh Rugby Union

01:09to make sure that rugby clubs can become those community hubs in our communities.

01:14They do an awful lot more than just producing fine rugby players of the future.

01:18So they do an awful great job as well of helping our communities to be more resilient,

01:22bringing people together and helping people get fit and healthier to address the obesity crisis which this country is facing.

01:28Well, thanks very much, James.

01:30And the WIU will receive £434,000.

01:35That's just in South Wales, via the new club investment model.

01:40And I think that's good news, because you're right.

01:44I think these are great facilities.

01:46They can reach into communities in a way that many other organisations can't.

01:52And I think it's important that clubs work closer with their communities

01:56to provide that welcoming and inclusive environment

01:59and that they are ready to serve the changing demographics of Wales.

02:06And if they manage to do that, then they should...