CENTRAL Wales FA top brass Dai Alun Jones has warned there is no additional funding available for grassroots football in the region.
While insisting the CWFA remained in a healthy position the general secretary for the regional association assured football clubs the authority has given all it could afford to grassroots football.
Jones has now called for the current grant system in Wales to be changed, with clubs from non-affiliated leagues as well as affiliated leagues being permitted to apply for ground improvement funding from the Welsh Football Trust’s annual round of grants
Currently the Welsh Ground Improvement (WGI) scheme only provides funding for clubs in the top four tiers of the Welsh football pyramid.
However Jones argued this is unfair to clubs playing in the J T Hughes Montgomeryshire League, Watson Associates Mid Wales League (South); Cambrian Tyres Aberystwyth League and Costcutter Cardiganshire League, who are ineligible for grant aid.
“The better the facilities the better the football, so of course I would like the WGI funding to be available to all clubs to apply for, regardless of whether they are in the top four tiers or not.”
Mr Jones said the association gave all it could to leagues in the area and warns additional funding could come at the expense of the CWFA’s long term financial security.
Mr Jones also rebuked claims that the increase in suspension charges to £10 should prompt an increase in CWFA funding, with the Aberystwyth-based official insisting the increase had only been made to “cover additional administration costs.”
“The CWFA accounts are in the black, but we must always look to safeguard our future because times are hard for all associations right now.
However Spar Mid Wales League secretary Phil Woosnam hopes the CWFA could provide some financial recognition for the clubs winning the four regional leagues, to help promoted clubs meet Mid Wales League criteria.
He said: “I know the North Wales Coast FA rewards its clubs which are promoted and with all the fines the association accumulates over a season you would think something was available for the clubs which win their leagues.”