The Heart of Wales Line Community Rail Partnership (CRP) has launched a new grant scheme to help sports clubs, associations and community organisations deliver activities that encourage participation in sport and sustainable travel.

The new ‘Train 2 Play’ initiative, funded through Transport for Wales’s Challenge Fund, will provide grants of up to £400 to support events taking place within two miles of a station on the Heart of Wales Line between 1 July and 31 October 2026.

Funding can be used towards costs including venue hire, coaching fees, equipment, advertising and promotional activity. Organisers are encouraged to develop events that attract new participants, introduce new activities or create more accessible opportunities for people to get involved in sport and physical activity.

The launch coincides with Community Rail Week, a national celebration of the work community rail partnerships and station groups do to connect communities, support inclusion and promote greener, healthier travel.

Owen Griffkin, Heart of Wales Line CRP development officer, said: “We’re delighted to launch the ‘Train 2 Play’ Grant Scheme and support organisations that are helping people become more active while also promoting sustainable travel.

“The Heart of Wales Line connects so many communities, and we want to encourage more people to use the railway to get involved in new activities, take part in local events and build stronger community connections through sport.”

Melanie Lawton, community rail strategy lead for Transport for Wales, said: “We are proud to support the Heart of Wales Line Community Rail Partnership through our Challenge Fund.

“The ‘Train 2 Play’ initiative is a great example of how our rail network can play a role in community wellbeing. By linking sustainable travel with grassroots sports, we are not only encouraging greener transport choices but also making physical activity more accessible and bringing communities together.”

Applications for the grant scheme close at 1pm on 15 June 2026. Find the full eligibility criteria and application details here.

Keep up to date with future news, projects and events from Heart of Wales Line CRP via their website.

Learn more about Transport for Wales’s work in the community here.