Welsh Government backing helps Valleys enterprise to tee off!

A South Wales Valleys social enterprise, which helps to address social problems through the sport of golf, has received support from Communities 2.0, the Welsh Government’s digital inclusion programme.

Communities 2.0 has supported Valleys Golf Enterprise to purchase equipment as part of redevelopment work at the Rhondda Driving Range, next to Rhondda Golf Club, which it is developing into a new sport and educational facility. The support and advice provided will also help Valleys Golf Enterprise to improve its online marketing and conduct business online via a revamped website.

Valleys Golf Enterprise is a social enterprise that addresses issues in disadvantaged communities through a sport-focused mentoring, coaching and training programme. The organisation also operates from other bases in Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent. It delivers coaching, education and training from grass roots right through to mature adults; sets up 'sport plus life skills' academies throughout South Wales; and, breaks down barriers to participation.

Communities 2.0 is a Welsh Government programme which is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund. The investment from Communities 2.0 will enable Valleys Golf Enterprise to improve IT infrastructure at its new Rhondda site, along with new office hardware and software. Use of cloud-based software will also make it easier to work online and with staff at the other sites.

Colin Gardiner, Operations Director, Valleys Golf Enterprise welcomed the news:

“We’re very grateful for the support from Communities 2.0. We’re at an important stage in our development, as we work on redevelopment plans for our new Rhondda site. Good quality digital technologies will help our staff in their daily work, including in the delivery of our training courses to people in disadvantaged areas.”

Communities 2.0 project director Cathryn Marcus commented:

“Communities 2.0 is delighted to be able to support Valleys Golf Enterprise. As a developing social enterprise, it helps people throughout the South Wales Valleys area, to increase life and work skills through the sport of golf. Our support is enabling Valleys Golf Enterprise to purchase essential IT equipment which, in turn, is helping it to grow and become more sustainable”.