How Sport Wales helped Machen RFC secure their future

Raised £28,451 from 152 supporters

+£11,000 +Extra funding from Sport Wales: A Place for Sport

Machen RFC, based in the village of Machen in Caerphilly, has a thriving mini and junior section with around 150 children, alongside youth and senior teams. They are also planning to introduce walking rugby to make the sport accessible for older generations.

“For over 150 years, Machen RFC has stood proudly at the heart of our village – not just as a rugby club, but as a community cornerstone,” the club wrote on their Crowdfunder page.

The clubhouse provides free space for local community groups, hosting everything from co-working sessions to open surgeries. It is a true hub for the area, offering social, sporting and wellbeing benefits for all ages.

The Challenge

The clubhouse roof had become old, leaking and unsafe. Water was seeping into the upstairs function room, bar and ladies toilets, causing damage to timbers, plaster and walls. With tiles more than 50 years old in places and flat roof sections failing, patching repairs were no longer enough.

Without action, there was a real risk of losing not just a building, but a piece of the village’s identity.

The Crowdfunding Campaign

To safeguard the future of their clubhouse, Machen RFC turned to Crowdfunder. Their project set out to:

• Replace the pitched roof at the front and back of the clubhouse
• Replace all flat roof sections
• Remove damaged tiles and inspect timber for repair or replacement
• Install new tiles, guttering and insulation
• Use trusted local contractors to complete the work

The campaign gave supporters the opportunity to back a project that would keep the club at the heart of the community for generations to come.

“Whether you’re a former player, local resident, business owner, or rugby fan – this is your chance to be part of our legacy,” the club appealed to supporters.

Funding & Results

The campaign launched with a target of £28,450. By the time it closed on 10 June 2025, Machen RFC had hit and slightly surpassed that goal, raising £28,451 from 152 supporters.

A crucial factor in their success was the £11,000 of match funding from Sport Wales’ A Place for Sport fund, which helped drive momentum and provided confidence for the community to rally behind the project.

Outcomes & Impact

Thanks to the support received, Machen RFC can now:

• Ensure their clubhouse is safe, warm and dry for all who use it
• Protect a heritage building with more than 150 years of history
• Provide secure facilities for their mini, junior, youth and senior rugby teams
• Introduce walking rugby and expand their inclusive offer
• Continue hosting community groups, meetings and services in a functional and welcoming space

“Your donation will keep our youth, minis, and senior teams training and thriving,” the club wrote. “It will provide a safe, warm space for community events and preserve over 150 years of local sporting heritage.”

The new roof is not just a repair. It is an investment in the future of the club and its role in the wider community.

Challenges & Learnings

With the roof secured, Machen RFC is looking forward to a more sustainable future. The upgraded clubhouse means they can focus on expanding their sporting offer, growing walking rugby, and strengthening their role as a social and community hub.

“Show future generations what a united community can achieve,” the club urged – a message that perfectly captures the spirit of the campaign.

The success of the project has also given the club confidence in crowdfunding as a tool for future improvements.

Thinking about crowdfunding for your sports facilities? Find out if you could be eligible to receive up to £15,000 from Sport Wales!