Affiliated to the Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs of Wales, Penygraig and District Boys’ and Girls’ Club was formed in 1974 and opened by Frankie Vaughan, by a community concerned for the future of its children and young people. They purchased the old Wesleyan Chapel on Brook Street, Williamstown, and the club has remained there ever since. The Boys’ and Girls’ Club has become a focal point for the children and young people of Penygraig and Williamstown, as well as the surrounding district.

The Club adopted its first constitution, as Penygraig Boys’ Club in 1983 and became a registered charity a few years later. The Club then gained permission from the Charity Commission to adopt the name Penygraig and District Boys’ and Girls’ Club and to alter clause 2 in 2003 to ensure equality of opportunity for all.

The Club has a vision of becoming the most effective youth sport and health facility in Rhondda Cynon Taf.

Since its formation, the Club has been sustained by a very committed group of volunteers from the community who give much to the club and its members but get very little out of it other than the pleasure of helping, however, the Club does offer a level of personal development to volunteers who require it.

Seven volunteers have been trained up to N.V.Q. level 2 in youth work, 10 football coaches trained to Football Association of Wales standard and 3 coaches to the Netball Association of Wales standard.

We offer a wide range of provision to a variety of service users, though the majority of the charity’s work involves children and young people.

Traditionally, the Club provided its user with the opportunity to play sport, particularly football. In keeping with this tradition the Club offers access to football, netball, basketball, table tennis, pool and snooker. We have two under 9’s football teams, two under 11’s, one under 13’s, one under 15’s, one under 17’s and two girls’ teams. We also have four netball teams. In total there are 150 full members with another 100+ using the Club on a drop in basis.

The Club facilities are available for children’s parties.

The Club believes that its long-term sustainability is dependent upon the commitment and skills of its volunteers. As such, the Club has developed a Capacity Building Plan aimed at creating a skilled volunteer workforce capable of effectively managing the Club once the refurbishment is complete.

The Capacity Building Plan includes training for the Management Committee/Trustees to ensure they understand their responsibilities, are able to make informed decisions and can develop a long-term strategy for the Club. It also includes training for volunteers so that the Club can develop initiatives that will have a long lasting effect.

“Focus” will create a self-sustaining organisation, capable of making effective decisions about its future, whilst not relying on external funding for its future.