Leaders react to the Welsh government’s support package to help sports struggling with the absence of fans
THE Welsh Government is giving £17.7 million to a Spectator Sports Survival Fund designed to help clubs which have suffered significant losses during the pandemic.
Some sports fans returned to venues in England towards the end of 2020, but all events in Wales have been behind closed doors since last March.
In December, Welsh sport organisations signed a joint open letter to First Minister Mark Drakeford asking for a roadmap to be set out for the return of spectators.
Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism, Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas said: “While restrictions on supporters at events have been vital in stopping the spread of the virus and saving lives, there can be no doubt that they have created real hardships for many sports clubs, many of whom receive a significant proportion of their income through spectator attendance.
“Sport is an important sector of our economy and has a positive impact on our mental and physical wellbeing. Sporting events provide important shared experiences, have often been a welcome distraction during the pandemic and will be a vital player in our recovery and healing after the crisis.
“I know this money will provide some stability to those sports worst affected by the loss of revenue during the pandemic, helping to bridge the financial gap until spectators are able to return safely.”
Seven sports have been allocated grants by the Welsh Government, and all have expressed their gratitude for the support it will provide.
Rugby Union (£13.5 million)
Rugby Union is receiving considerably more funding than any other sport, but even this will not be enough to cover the Welsh Rugby Union’s losses during the pandemic. The organisation is projected to lose £14 million as a result of the upcoming Six Nations being played behind closed doors, following a £21 million loss suffered during last year’s autumn internationals.
The £13.5 million will be divided equally between the WRU and Cardiff Blues, Scarlets, Ospreys and Dragons (£2.7 million each).
“We always anticipated there would be challenges with spectator attendance at the recent Autumn Nations Cup,” said WRU CEO Steve Phillips.
“However, with the ongoing nature of the pandemic, no one is able to predict with any certainty when crowds will be allowed back into stadia, allowing our income streams to return to normal. As such this £13.5m grant is timely and hugely helpful.”
Football (£1.5 million)
In October, the Football Association of Wales revealed that they were set to make an annual loss of over £3 million as a result of the pandemic. This was largely because of the absence of supporters at national team games, income from which makes up 90% of their budget.
Therefore, the FAW will use the majority of this money to compensate for revenue lost from international matches, rather than put it towards the domestic game. In November, a £750,000 National Lottery support package was secured to help the 44 Cymru Leagues while games are played behind closed doors.
FAW CEO Jonathan Ford said: “Not having crowds at international matches has greatly impacted the FAW’s finances and this funding from the Welsh government will go some way in helping to offset some of this lost revenue.
“Times, however, remain perilous as we are still going to make quite a significant loss this year as a result of Covid-19. We long for the day that our fans can return to supporting our national teams in our stadiums.”
Horse racing (£1.2 million)
It is estimated that around £300 million in revenue has been lost by British racing tracks across the pandemic, including the three locations in Wales – Chepstow, Bangor-on-Dee and Ffos Las Racecourse.
Having no punters in attendance at the Welsh Grand National at Chepstow at the end of December was a particularly significant blow. The meeting is a landmark event in the calendar, featuring the most recognisable owners, trainers and jockeys in jump racing, and brings in significant revenue for the racecourse.
Phil Bell, Executive Director at Chepstow and Ffos Las racecourses said: “Our revenue streams from ticket sales, hospitality, catering, sponsorship and non-racings events such as conferences, wedding receptions and outdoor activities have been severely impacted so this support is hugely welcomed.”
Cricket (£1 million)
The 2021 County Championship, which begins in April, has been revamped for this year to help mitigate the impact of coronavirus. The 18 first-class counties have been split into groups of six, where they will battle for a place in Division One and a chance to compete for the Bob Willis Trophy. Glamorgan are in Group 3.
Commenting on the new fund, a statement from Glamorgan Cricket said: “The pandemic has had a significant impact on our revenue streams and this package is a most welcome contribution towards the losses we have incurred and helps to secure our immediate future.”
Ice Hockey (£200,000)
Elite Ice Hockey League teams, including Cardiff Devils, unanimously agreed in September to suspend the 2020/21 campaign which was due to start in December. There is the possibility of a shortened season beginning in the next few months, but nothing concrete has been announced.
Before it was curtailed, the 2019/20 season had seen a 6.8% increase on attendance from the previous year, and the EIHL have stated that arenas would need to be at least 75% full for games to return. It is particularly difficult for ice hockey as it is an indoor sport.
“We are very pleased that the Sport Wales have included ice hockey as part of their rescue package for Welsh sport, and have recognised just how important the Devils are to both Cardiff and Wales,” said Cardiff Devils Managing Director Todd Kelman.
Rugby League (£200,000)
Wales are competing in the Rugby League World Cup later this year, so this funding comes at a vital time. It will also go towards Betfred League 1 sides North Wales Crusaders and West Wales Raiders, as well as domestic clubs – including Cardiff Blue Dragons.
Wales Rugby League CEO Gareth Kear said: “I am happy that our lobbying, together with Sport Wales, has been recognised by Government. The loss of fans has had a negative effect on revenue which is the lifeblood of clubs in our communities.
“Whilst I have been very impressed by how resilient our clubs have been during this pandemic, this fund is a huge boost for our professional and community clubs.”
Netball (£100,000)
The 2021 Netball Superleague season, featuring Celtic Dragons, will begin in February after last year’s campaign was cancelled due to the pandemic. Just three game-weeks had been played, and the season’s opening weekend had enjoyed record breaking crowds.
In May, the Welsh side offered supporters the opportunity to donate their ticket money to help the club survive. Meanwhile, Welsh Netball’s budget has halved. Like ice hockey, as an indoor sport, netball has found it particularly hard to find a way to accommodate fans.
Sarah Jones, Welsh Netball CEO said: “This funding comes at a crucial time for Welsh sport, with the pandemic having a devastating effect on the sector, including netball. This is a welcome boost not only to the organisation but also for the morale of all the people that are working so hard to keep the wheels turning at the moment.
“Ordinarily, thousands of spectators come to watch Wales and Celtic Dragons netball matches each year. Not only does this help to inspire the next generation of netballers, but it also drives revenue, which helps our sport to thrive.”
