Skip to main content

How crowdfunding helped Dyffryn Boxing raise £20,000 to repair their gym?

  1. Home
  2. News and Events
  3. News, Features, Events and Campaigns
  4. How crowdfunding helped Dyffryn Boxing raise £20,000 to repair their gym?

Despite their proud 58-year history, the Dyffryn Amateur Boxing Club in Colwyn Bay had been stuck on the ropes and in dire need of refurbishment. That was before they embarked on their crowdfunding journey with Sport Wales.

Tattered punch bags, a leaking roof and damaged electrics had left the club struggling to encourage new members through their doors. But they refused to throw in the towel and have successfully raised more than £20,000 to overhaul their facilities thanks to their own crowdfunding efforts and Sport Wales’ A Place for Sport' Fund.

What is crowdfunding and ‘A Place for Sport? 

‘A Place for Sport’ is Sport Wales’ fund, in partnership with Crowdfunder, which supports community clubs raise money for ‘off-field' facilities. Clubs or organisations connect with the local community to raise money through crowdfunding. When a target is reached, Sport Wales pledge a percentage of the total in match-funding. 

When people pledge money to support your cause, they can receive a reward for their donation. Through Crowdfunder, you can offer incentives so donors get a little something in return for their support.

What did Sport Wales like about Dyffryn ABC’s project?

Dyffryn ABC made it clear in their application that they wanted their club to provide an inclusive and affordable environment that reflects the diverse community of Colwyn Bay.

The funding would help Dyffryn ABC to continue to provide a top quality setting for their current members, the majority of whom are children and teenagers. But, they also outlined their ambitions to encourage more women and girls to take up boxing, too. 

The people of Colwyn Bay have reaped the rewards of boxing at Dyffryn ABC for almost 60 years. For even more members of the local community to benefit from the club, the gym renovations were essential.

How did Dyffryn ABC’s ‘A Place for Sport’ application succeed?

After contacting Sport Wales to discuss their plans, Dyffryn ABC set themselves a target of raising £10,000 and it was agreed that if that amount was reached then Sport Wales would award an additional £10,000 in ‘A Place for Sport’ match funding towards the project.

The local community really got behind the project, helping the club raise £11,000 - smashing their target and earning the ‘A Place for Sport’ match funding from Sport Wales. 

Wes Jones, Head Coach at Dyffryn ABC, gave his top tips on why their crowdfunding project was successful:

  • Promote with a video - Having a video as part of the application helped Dyffryn ABC to promote their project. It’s a different way of showcasing how the funding can help the club achieve its aims. Not sure how to make a video? Maybe some of your younger members at your club can help you put together a TikTok or an Instagram Reel.
  • Reach out to local businesses - Half price fish and chips and free entry to a Llandudno nightclub were among the rewards that local businesses offered as incentives for people to pledge donations.
  • Offer your own incentives – Not just relying on others, Dyffryn ABC offered special one-to-one training packages and free entry to a class as other rewards that could be earned in return for donations. A great way of giving potential members a taste of what your club can offer!
  • Involve your club members – Club members played their own part in the fundraising efforts through a sponsored climb of Yr Wyddfa. They even roped their parents and friends in, too.
  • Just do it! – It’s an easy process and people will back you in whatever local area you’re in.

What did Dyffryn Boxing spend their funding on?

With water damage wreaking havoc across the gym, the first port of call for the club was making essential repairs to their roof. Once this was done, it was on to re-plastering damaged walls, replacing outdated windows and a full electrical re-wire. 

While the gym was freshened up, there were also upgrades to the changing rooms and toilets. Thanks to fantastic support from their local community, businesses, and Sport Wales funding, the club can look forward to many more years of success, and a growing membership.

How do we get started on a crowdfunding campaign?

Here is our guide to how you can make the most of crowdfunding through our ‘A Place for Sport’ fund. There is lots of support to help you on your crowdfunding journey.

So, what’s stopping you? Give it a go.

Latest News

Tanni hails the ‘game changing’ effect of the National Lottery

Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson celebrates The National Lottery on its 30th birthday.

Read More

Be Active Wales Fund re-opens for applications

The Be Active Wales Fund is now re-opening with £1m worth of funding remaining.

Read More

30 ways the National Lottery has made an impact on Welsh Sport over 30 years

Take a look at 30 ways that the National Lottery has taken Welsh sport to another level.

Read More