FOOTBALL clubs across mid Wales will share in more than £340k as part of a £3m investment into grassroots facilities.

The Football Association of Wales (FAW) investment in 47 projects across the country is geared toward increasing participating as well as creating strong community clubs.

Caersws Recreation Association’s project will receive £110k to upgrade an all-weather games area for multi-sports providing the association receives permission to proceed.

Meanwhile Welshpool Town Football Club have received £65,780 for the creation of three new pitches for its junior and girls teams.

Chairman Chris Roberts said: “Paul Coackley has worked tirelessly for the club for at least four years in achieving this and the Welsh FA have really stepped up to meet our needs.

“Thanks must be given to Powys County Council for funding the 25 year lease and Welshpool now has a proper base for the juniors and women to thrive.

“We had 16 teams trying to share two pitches which was a nightmare and with these new ones we should ease a lot of the congestion as well as been able to host festivals for the boys and girls.

“The hard work of fundraising is the next step to get all of the machinery needed to work on the pitches as well as all of the football equipment needed for all ages.

“ A massive team effort is needed by the club to ensure this will be a success for this exciting project.”

County Times: A general view of Talbot Field, home of Berriew FC, on May 16, 2021 (Mike Sheridan/County Times)

A general view of Talbot Field, home of Berriew FC. (Mike Sheridan/County Times)

Berriew Football Club will also invest a £46,700 grant by upgrade of changing rooms, providing facilities for male and female match officials and a meeting room at Talbot Field.

Spokesman John Brooks said: “Obviously the club is delighted, particularly as we initially missed out but we were successful when some more money became available.

“We have been given permission to start work which will involve upgrading the changing rooms.

“In addition there will be a reconfiguration of the space under the main stand to provide meeting facilities.

“We see this work as vital in improving facilities to enable our continuing development of both junior and senior football in Berriew.”

Talgarth Town can also look ahead to a facility upgrade after receiving £25k to upgrade their clubhouse, changing rooms and showers for community use

Chairman Keith Parry said: “The investment will provide a much needed facelift to the external fabric of the pavilion at King George V Playing Fields and provide a more functional, attractive and welcoming appearance to both current and future users of the facility.”

Meanwhile Llanidloes Town have been awarded £15,400 for the provision of male and female officials’ changing facilities, a first aid room and office.

Chairman Kevin Brown said: “Llanidloes Town FC are delighted in having been successful in our application for funding from the Welsh FA.

“This will enable us to continue to invest in our facilities for the benefit of the club and the local community.

“We are hugely grateful of the support we have received from the Welsh FA.

“This news is the icing on the cake on what has been a hugely successful season for Llanidloes Town on the field having won three trophies.”

Elsewhere the Rhydypennau Playing Fields Association will invest £34,975 into a 3G facility upgrade in Bow Street while Dolgellau AA have received £17k for a new mower.