YNYSHIR ALBIONS COMMUNITY CLUB IS KINDLY REQUESTING YOUR SUPPORT IN RELATION TO A PLANNING APPLICATION WE HAVE SUBMITTED TO THE LOCAL AUTHORITY TO BUILD A MATCHDAY FACILITY AND CREATE ADDITIONAL CAR PARKING SPACES WITHIN THE GROUNDS OF THE OVAL, YNYSHIR. 

Who are we?

Ynyshir Albions Community Club is a limited by guarantee organisation, comprising of 4 directors. The limited by guarantee company was formed to support the business needs of running Ynyshir Albions Football Club and their respective teams. 

In 2023, the club also become a Community Amateur Sports Club (CASC), something we are extremely proud of. The club holds the leasehold of The Oval ground for the next 20 years from the local authority, Rhondda Cynon Taff County Borough Council (RCTCBC).

The club is also supported by 18 non-executive committee members with a variety of roles and responsibilities. Both the non-executive committee members and directors are all volunteers and offer their time and dedication because of their passion for the club and our community.

Activities offered by the club

The organisation offers an opportunity to participate in grassroots football by offering training and competitive matches through a variety of age groups within competitive league and cup competitions. We are a club who actively encourage qualified and aspiring coaches to become involved in the club, empowering them to develop both academically and practically by funding recognised accreditations run by the FAW. The club have also engaged with the community and enhanced the matchday experience offered to supporters, who have bought into the efforts that are being made to improve the facilities we offer

Examples of our short term aims 

1) Increase participation and registered members (10% each season)

2) Introduce at least 1 girls/ladies' team within the next 2 seasons 

3) All our coaches qualified to minimum UEFA B Standards

4) Development - Nurturing talent from within 

5) Training - Consistent schedules, working to the same philosophies/values

6) Offer sanitary facilities to our spectators Gents, Ladies & Disabled visitors (Complete)

7) Improve our community engagement and our profile in the area

8) Create a gantry area that will enable us to record and analyse matches 

9) Purchase machinery that will enable us to take over maintenance of the field from the LA

10) Installation of an additional Grandstand taking our seated capacity to 256 (Complete)

The following long-term aims are taken directly from our 3-year strategy document (2022-2025) which we have attached within the appendices of this application.

Examples of our longer term vision 

1) Annual Community Events Day

2) Develop a collaborative relationship with a chosen charity

3) Introduction of a Senior Ladies Football Team

4) Have at least 10 participants who have represented every age group in the boys and girls club and then go on to play for our senior team @ Ynyshir Albions Football Club

What is stopping us from achieving these goals?

Our biggest hurdle to achieving these aims and driving the club forward is not having a regular income that we can rely upon to become self-sufficient. Our directors and committee members have worked miracles in recent years to secure finances via player contributions and local sponsorship that has in turn allowed us to develop the infrastructure at our ground.

However, the task of acquiring the necessary funds to meet the growing budgets of running several grassroots teams each season is becoming increasingly difficult. We've seen historic, neighbouring clubs fold in recent years because they haven't been able to maintain participation and fund their club. We are determined to not only preserve what we have developed, but to continue growing organically through hard work and true community determination.

It is for this reason that we are seeking funding to build a matchday facility on the grounds of The Oval, Ynyshir, that can be shared with the community. This is essential for us to remain sustainable and continue to reinvest in growing the club; a duty and obligation we have as a CASC organisation and something that has always been at the core of our beliefs. The village hub project will help our organisation achieve its goals by safeguarding the future sustainability of the club. The revenue that will be generated will ease the financial pressures of running the organisation and put less emphasis on ensuring we receive local sponsorship to remain afloat.

What is the matchday facility?

Ynyshir Albions Community Club Limited wish to build an open plan facility within the grounds of The Oval, Ynyshir that will be accessible to the public during a matchday. The building will be equipped with electricity, heating, kitchen, and toilet facilities. Its design will have considered for disabled members of the public. We will serve refreshments and hot/cold drinks from the facility.

The building will link the playing field to the children's playground at the rear of the ground.

It'll also be situated along route 881 of the National Cycle Network. An estimated 4.2m people use the National Cycle Network annually.

The running and maintenance costs of the facility will be managed by Ynyshir Albions Community Club Ltd who hold the leasehold at the ground from the local authority for the next 21 years

What will the facility bring to the community?

A hub within the football ground serves as a central facility for players, coaches, officials, and spectators. It offers numerous advantages that collectively contribute to an enriched experience:

1) Facilities and Amenities - A village hub can provide essential amenities which ensures that players have a comfortable and hygienic environment to prepare for games and recover afterwards. Spectators benefit from clean sanitary facilities and refreshment areas.

2) Social Interaction - The village hub becomes a social space where participants can interact, bond, and build camaraderie. This fosters a sense of belonging and community within the organisation, enhancing player morale and motivation.

3) Shelter and Comfort - Visitors can find shelter from adverse weather conditions, creating  a more enjoyable experience for spectators. This, in turn, encourages higher attendance and support for games.

4) Hosting Events - The hub can be used for events such as team meetings, workshops, and community gatherings. This flexibility increases engagement and fosters a holistic environment beyond just matches.

What will the facility bring for the football club?

Building a village hub can significantly enhance the organisational structure and capabilities:

1) Professional Image - A well-designed facility reflects a professional image, attracting more players, sponsors, and stakeholders.

2) Revenue Generation - The hub can serve as a source of revenue through various means such as facility rentals, hosting events, and selling refreshments and merchandise. This financial stability strengthens the organisation's long-term prospects.

3) Recruitment and Retention - A modern hub can attract talented players and coaches, as it showcases the organisation's commitment to their development. Additionally, improved facilities enhance the overall experience, increasing player retention rates.

4) Central Hub - The hub acts as a central point for administrative functions, making communication and coordination more efficient. This streamlines operations, reducing the chances of mismanagement.

How will it support the sustainability of our club?

Sustainability goes beyond financial stability. It involves the ability to adapt, grow, and maintain relevance over time:

1) Community Engagement - The hub can be a focal point for community engagement programs, promoting the sport at the grassroots level. This widens the organisation's reach and ensures a continuous influx of young talent.

2) Sponsorship and Partnerships - A well-furnished facility can attract sponsors and partners who see the potential for brand exposure. These relationships provide financial support and resources that contribute to sustainability.

3) Long-Term Planning - Investing in a vilage hub demonstrates a commitment to the long- term future of the organisation. This outlook is attractive to potential investors, sponsors, and other stakeholders who seek stability and foresight.

4) Legacy and Tradition - A village hub becomes a physical representation of the organisation's history, values, and achievements. This sense of legacy and tradition can instil pride among members and inspire them to contribute to the organisation's continued success.

Summary of benefits

Building a village hub has far-reaching effects. It enhances the quality of experience for participants and visitors through improved facilities, fosters a stronger organisational structure by attracting resources and enhancing image, and contributes to the sustainability of the organisation by engaging the community and planning for the long term. The facility acts as a catalyst for positive change, making the organisation more vibrant, robust, and adaptable in a competitive sporting landscape