Forty community grassroots organisations came together at Newport Live’s Club Development & Funding Roadshow to explore practical support for building stronger, more inclusive organisations.
Led by Newport Live’s Community Sport and Wellbeing team, the event took place on 27 October at Pillgwenlly Millennium Centre, bringing community organisations face to face with stakeholders and guest speakers.
Delivered as part of the ACN Way project, the roadshow welcomed organisations already involved in the programme alongside those keen to learn more about the support, tools and resources available to help them develop.
The event covered challenges that matter to grassroots organisations: strengthening governance and organisational structures, writing funding bids, developing marketing plans, becoming more inclusive, supporting workforce development and tackling facility issues and concerns.
Grassroots clubs are at the heart of community life, offering opportunities to get active, build friendships and feel a sense of belonging. Supporting their development helps volunteers build the skills, confidence and organisational foundations needed to keep these opportunities available and welcome more people. From sound governance to funding and inclusive practice, practical support can help clubs become more resilient, so they can continue bringing communities together for years to come.
Stakeholders and guest speakers included Newport City Council, Sport Wales, GAVO, Welsh Sports Association, WCVA, Disability Sport Wales, Cricket Wales, Sported, Councillor Mark Spencer, Newport City Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Sport and WRU.
Making the event accessible was a key consideration. Recognising that many community organisations rely on volunteers who may find it difficult to take time away from their commitments, the team kept the day as short as possible and provided children’s activities, venue parking, lunch and refreshments.
Andrea Ovey, Director of Business Development at Newport Live, said: “Behind every grassroots organisation are people who give their time, energy and care to their community. Many are volunteers, fitting that commitment around work and family life. We want them to know that they do not have to face the challenges of running an organisation alone.
“For us, this roadshow was about more than funding and advice. It was about making time for those people, helping them feel supported and connecting them with partners who can help. Even practical things, like providing activities for their children, can make a real difference. We want to make it easier for them to keep doing what matters so much, bringing people together and helping more people feel they belong.”
By bringing support together in one place and reducing practical barriers to attendance, the roadshow gave grassroots organisations an opportunity to explore help with the everyday challenges of running and developing their organisations.
