Play Wales/Chwarae Cymru
Analysis
Play Wales/Chwarae Cymru is a registered charity in England and Wales, based in Cardiff. It was registered in March 1998, 28 years ago. Its declared purposes cover education/training, economic/community development/employment and recreation, which this site groups under amateur sport and recreation. Legally it is a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO). It says it provides advocacy/advice/information and acts as an umbrella or resource body.
In the financial year ending March 2025, Play Wales/Chwarae Cymru reported income of £607k and spending of £650k, spending 107% of what it took in. Across the 5 years on record, from March 2021 to March 2025, income fell from £1.2m to £607k (-48%), an average of -15% a year. The sharpest change came in the year to March 2024, when income dropped by 41%. Over the whole period it spent 96% of the income it received.
Among 12,174 England and Wales charities whose main cause is amateur sport and recreation and that reported income, Play Wales/Chwarae Cymru sits at the 97th percentile: it is larger than about 97% of them. Against every charity in England and Wales with reported income it ranks in the 91st percentile. Charities of a similar size with the same main cause include The Wire Gymnastics Club (£606k), Southport Gymnastics Club (£609k) and Longlevens (Gloucester) Community Association (£601k).
In its latest detailed accounts, income came from charitable activities 97% and investments 3.1%. Charitable activities took 97% of spending and raising funds 0.0%. Reserves of £311k would cover about 6 months of spending at that rate. It employed 7 people.
Income and spending
Where the income comes from
- Donations 0.2%
- Charitable activities 97%
- Investments 3.1%
In the charity's own words
Play Wales is a charity that provides advice and guidance for all in Wales who have a responsibility for any environment where children and young people play. Play Wales upholds children's right to play and believes that freely chosen play is critical to human development. Play Wales works strategically to ensure that children have access to quality play provison in their communities.
Similar-sized charities, same cause
| Charity | Location | Income |
|---|---|---|
| The Wire Gymnastics Club | Warrington | £606k |
| Southport Gymnastics Club | Southport | £609k |
| Longlevens (Gloucester) Community Association | Gloucester | £601k |
| City of Coventry Swimming Club | Coventry | £611k |