Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Cabinet is due to consider a proposal on 22 July that would hand responsibility for several sports facilities in Senghenydd to the local rugby club for up to 25 years. The move is presented as a way of safeguarding the future of valued community sites while widening participation in sport across the area.
What the transfer would cover
Under the terms under consideration, Senghenydd Rugby Football Club (RFC) would take on the management and upkeep of a number of neighbouring facilities currently held by the council. These include the bowling green and its bowls pavilion, the rugby pavilion and pitch located at Welfare Park, and Windsor Colliery Playing Field.
| Site | Included elements |
|---|---|
| Senghenydd Bowling Green | Bowls green and pavilion |
| Welfare Park | Rugby pitch and pavilion |
| Windsor Colliery Playing Field | Open playing field |
Club track record and stated plans
Senghenydd RFC has a long history in the community, having been active for more than 125 years. The club currently serves in excess of 350 regular users and is supported by more than 65 volunteers, figures submitted as part of the transfer proposal.
As part of its application, the club has outlined intentions to invest in the sites and to extend their use beyond match days. Key elements of the plan include:
- creating a girls’ rugby hub to encourage female participation;
- introducing walking rugby to provide opportunities for older residents or those with mobility needs;
- opening up facilities to local schools and wider community groups;
- improving accessibility for people with disabilities.
Policy context and council view
The submission is framed as supporting the council’s Sport and Active Recreation Strategy 2019–2029, which seeks to help residents become more active. The council says the proposed asset transfer would protect the facilities and bolster community activity across all ages and abilities.
“This proposal will help protect these valued facilities and support their long-term future. It will also create more opportunities for local people of all ages and abilities to take part in sport and community activities.”
If Cabinet gives the green light, the arrangement would fix an operational stewardship with Senghenydd RFC for a quarter of a century. The length of the proposed agreement is intended to provide the club with the security required to undertake improvements and plan longer-term community programming.
Local impact and next steps
For residents, a successful transfer could mean better-maintained pitches and pavilions and a broader programme of activities tailored to different groups — from children in schools to older adults seeking low-impact exercise. For volunteers and club officers, the responsibility will bring additional management duties and the challenge of balancing competitive rugby with community access.
The Cabinet meeting on 22 July is the next formal stage in the process. Members will consider the business case and community benefits before deciding whether to approve the transfer. If approved, details of any conditions, ongoing oversight or grant arrangements are likely to be set out in follow-up documents and local communications.
Local people seeking further information on the proposals should consult the council’s Cabinet papers published in advance of the meeting or contact the club directly for its detailed plans.
