Betws Community Sports and Recreation Association

History

Betws Recreation Club was founded sometime during 1945 and 1946. In the early years, the team was known as Betws Blackbirds, which is why we have decided to use the blackbird in our logo.                                                              (New logo)

The ladies supporters in their makeshift facilities in an old shed at the entrance to the ground provided refreshments at every home game. The dedication of the ladies supporters and their contribution to provide revenue and entertainment played a big part in the clubs finance. In 1963 the clubhouse was built with help from loyal supporters and a dedicated committee. In 1967 the stand was built with changing rooms and shower facilities. Unfortunately, in later years the stand was destroyed in a fire. This resulted in the AFC Teams moving to Ammanford and the closure of the clubhouse in 2007. 

   (Stand that was destroyed in a fire)        (Clubhouse before work started)

Around 1966 three junior teams were formed, made up of mainly Betws lads. They were known as Ammanford Town Juniors. 

                                           (One of the original junior teams)

The current AFC juniors has over 350 boys and girls aged between 6 and 16 playing grassroots football each week between September and April. 

          (Presentation of Ammanford U10’s new kit for 2021/2022 Season)

                                         (Soccer isn't only for boys)

                                          (Presentation evening)

The Juniors committee, members of the Social Club and Betws community decided to hold a meeting to see what could be done. We decided to come together in 2017 to develop a new association called Betws Community Sports and Recreation Association, a not-for-profit organisation. The group is made up of 12 volunteers of which 5 are trustees. Without the group's intervention the clubhouse would be lost to the community of Betws and the surrounding areas. Due to being left for so many years there has been considerable decline in the building through leaks and general disrepair. As a group we want to develop the old clubhouse and pitch to get the junior teams back training and playing on our original grounds. Unfortunately, due to the impact of COVID we haven't been able to do a great deal. There is a lot of work to do but with the help of parents, the community and local businesses donating their services we have now started to clear away areas around the clubhouse, as well as replacing old fencing with new and a gate.

                                                     (Before we started)

                                           (A huge clearance needed)

                                            (Parents donating their time)

                           (During the clearing of the surrounding area)

                                       (New fencing and gate)

                          (Removal of old fencing and clearing of weeds)

Currently some of the teams are training and playing elsewhere on different sites and they don't have a "Home" as referred to by the parents, when questioned as to what they would like to see happen. There are some teams using the pitch for training sessions and the games but without adequate toilet facilities this does cause an issue. There are no facilities on the ground due to the closed clubhouse and there is a desperate need to provide adequate changing, showers and toilet facilities. 

Fundraising so far

We have begun to raise money with various events such as a walk-up Pen Y Fan, A musical entertainment evening, and players/family BBQ. We have also reprinted a number of books of Betws Mas o'r Byd and all funds raised from the sales is donated to the association.

                                 (Fundraising walk up Pen Y Fan)

                                           (Family BBQ and funday)

                                         (Fundraising musical evening)   

                                                  (Juniors fundraising)

Vision

Our vision is to develop the old social clubhouse and current pitch to provide an updated COVID adequate changing and shower facilities with a function area that will provide refreshments during training and games as well as being available to the wider community. Eventually we hope to develop an indoor all weather training facility. We plan to do these in phases once funding is gained. We will be working with various agencies to provide sports and fun family friendly activities to disadvantaged community members.

Phase 1 We need funding to repair the original building to make it safe for the community to use, as well as the children from the junior teams of Ammanford AFC. We would like to see community groups using the facility i.e., brownies, dance groups, children’s parties etc.

We will need various things such as:

• Clearing and removal of current unwanted items which consists of old furniture, stock etc.
• Testing, removal, and treatment of asbestos
• A new roof as well as removal of current structure
• Removal and replacement of all external/internal windows and doors
• Repair the current building damage to internal walls, ceilings etc Electrics for whole building
• Plumbing of new kitchen, toilets and shower facilities.
• Renovate areas inside to provide changing and shower facilities for the home and away teams. Take down old walls, build and extend current area to house new facilities.
• Renovate the function room and put a new kitchen area with hatch where the current bar is, to allow for functions held by the club and the community to use the space for events/clubs. New seating areas, chairs tables, curtains, blinds, lighting, flooring and entertainment equipment ie tv, sound sytem etc.
• Purchase new equipment to use within the clubhouse i.e., kitchen equipment such as sink, kitchen units, cooker, kettle cups, cutlery, microwave, fridge,  chairs, tables, hatch with shutters etc
• The area needs to be accessible to the disabled by providing a disabled toilet area and ramps entering and exiting the building.
• Payment of planning, architect, legal documents, planning applications etc

Phase 2 We will need to develop the surrounding area to incorporate a carpark with a suitable entrance and exit.

Phase 3 We would like to develop an indoor training facility with a 4G pitch.

How can you help us ?

We are of course making various applications for funding however we can not do this completely by ourselves. We need your help with initial costs towards getting an architect to draw up plans that we can include in our funding applications. We'd also like your help if there are any skills or trade that you are involved in that could aid us in our task. This venture will not only make a difference to the junior football teams but it will also aid the community in providing a safe place to have fun and come together. Any donation will be such a help no matter how big or small. Every penny raised will be used towards the renovations and development of the grounds.

How can we reward you ?

£10+ pledge: Each pledge of £10 and over we will place your name into a monthly draw to win various prizes.

£50 pledge: A pledge of £50 will allow you to purchase a decorative slate with your personalised message. The slate will be used and displayed around the venue.

£100 pledge: A pledge of £100 will see your business named as our match day sponsor for a game of your choice, including comprehensive promotion and advertising on our social media channels.

What alternative support can you give us ?

You can aid us .....

• in getting the word out to the wider community by sharing our crowdfunder page and facebook page https://www.facebook.com/groups/1702111123429437
• by completing our questionnaires and surveys to find out what you as a community would like us to include in our plans.
• by asking local businesses that may be able to donate prizes, their time or even services to our cause.

Thank You

We thank you for taking the time to learn more about our fundraising campaign to renovate the clubhouse and develop facilities at Rice Street. We hope you are able to help us reach our goal!