SPORTS clubs across Powys have called for Sport Wales to invest in the county.

The Welsh Assembly Government (WG) has allocated an additional £5m to Sport Wales to “support the delivery of a range of sports facilities across Wales.”

The money will be spread across Wales and aim to invest in “collaborative and multi-sport projects.”

The £5m investment comes as part of the new Healthy and Active Fund, a partnership between Sport Wales, Public Health Wales and the Welsh Government and bids to “improve and protect existing sports facilities, invest in new facilities and create a sustainable sport sector.”

The County Times asked clubs and supporters to pitch ideas on potential projects in Powys and the overwhelming majority highlighted the lack of 3G/4G facilities in the county compared to other parts of Wales.

Calls for such a facility were made to be installed in Builth Wells, Llandrindod Wells,Welshpool, Guilsfield and Llanfyllin.

A spokesman for Llandrindod Wells Football Club said: “A 4G pitch in south Powys would be very welcome.

“Too many games are being cancelled across junior and senior games with no alternative. There is already a 4G pitch in north Powys which has been used regularly to overcome these issues.”

Ryan Jones of Llanfyllin Town Football Club added: “Would be nice to see some money spent north of Welshpool for once. We are starting to think we’re invisible on the map.”

A spokesman for Guilsfield Football Club added: “A lovely 4G pitch would be perfect in Guilsfield. Great location for teams north of Welshpool and floodlights already in place.”

Welshpool Town spokesman Dean Gill also highlighted the crisis in the town after Powys County Council claimed its junior pitches for development without providing any replacement pitches.

Meanwhile Llanwddyn Football Club called for support in their bid to install changing facilities at Wddyn Park so the club can play at its traditional home once more.

The Newtown-based Hafren Cycling Club were joined by their Builth Wells based counterparts, the Bulls Cycling Club, in championing the need for Powys to have its first dedicated cycling facility.

Minister for Culture and Sport Lord Elis-Thomas said: “There is a clear need to increase the spread of top-class facilities across the country

“We stand ready with Sport Wales to act quickly to build upon the momentum that has been gained and promote a cycling and a wider sporting legacy.”

Sport Wales spokesman Sarah Powell added: “Several 3G pitch projects will benefit immediately as will some cycling projects. We will develop the criteria for the remainder of the fund early in 2019.”