Blaina Community Sports Club has remodelled its clubhouse

In 2019, Blaina RFC and Blaina Cricket Club merged to form the Blaina Community Sports Club, managing their shared sports ground.

After five years of successful operation, the club decided it was time to remodel their pavilion for more efficient use of space.

Chris Adams, from Blaina Community Sports Club, said: "We only had one community space so when we were hosting events, there was no room for the clubs to gather together.

"The project involved combining the two existing cricket changing rooms into one and creating a separate lounge area.

"This means that whenever we host a private function, this new lounge area can be used by other visitors.

"It makes the club more sustainable and open for everyone."

The club's renovations were made possible by a grant from Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council.

Mr Adams added: "We are incredibly grateful to Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council. The £8,529.71 we received through their Social Enterprise Grant has enabled us to purchase a modular unit which we now use as changing rooms for our cricket teams.

"This funding not only allowed the purchase of the unit, but also helped to fund the huge amount of work which was required to make the lounge a functioning space.

"We were also able to upgrade our kitchen facilities to include new oven and refrigerator, to a much higher commercial specification."

Councillor John Morgan, cabinet member for place and regeneration and economic development, praised the club's efforts. He said: "Blaina Community Sports Club are the perfect example of how working together can achieve great things.

"They have put so much work into renovating and expanding their ground and with some innovative ideas have come to a solution that benefits both clubs and the wider community.

"They are now the heartbeat in their local community, and it is great to see what a small amount of support can achieve."

The club, employing four staff members, has become a central hub for community activities and private functions, contributing to the economy.

They strive to operate both efficiently and profitably.