For the last three years, Castell Chess Club's junior chess has expanded across the Neath Port Talbot area and even further afield. From just three young players, we have grown to 33, all taking part in competitive chess as well as the activities and events the club holds.

Throughout the year— as shown in photos on our Facebook page and website— we organise pizza parties, Christmas parties, St David’s Day chess matches, and road trips to places such as Pembrokeshire. These events bring a fresh, engaging angle to chess that draws children in and helps them enjoy the game. Such activities cost the club a significant amount of money, and we often rely heavily on membership fees. If we had to depend solely on those fees, we would only be able to cover the cost of the venue.

In previous years, we have received support from the National Lottery and Dŵr Cymru. This year, we give special thanks to Neath Port Talbot Council for providing us with a £200 grant, and to the National Lottery Community Fund for awarding us £4,000 to support our project over the next two years.

It is incredibly rewarding to see the children enjoying the game and progressing, and we hope to continue living up to the standards that Neath Port Talbot Council and the National Lottery have enabled us to set.

Finally, we would like to thank our member Cameron Ferguson, who sends out the many applications and requests needed to secure this funding. Without him, our opportunities would be far more limited.