Delivering skills through volunteering in the Welsh coalfields

In the Valleys, people work hard. But it can be hard to access good work close to home. 

The 2025 Industrial Communities Alliance report, “Next Steps for the Valleys” found that in the South Wales coalfields there are just 46 employee jobs for every 100 working-age residents. That means there are simply fewer local jobs to go around. The same report shows that 19 percent of working-age adults are out-of-work on benefits. 

That’s why, through CRT Game On Wales, we run weekly football sessions that build confidence, responsibility and practical skills. CRT is pleased to help make these sessions possible so that people can keep turning up, week after week. 

Serenlee is one of the volunteers who’s been supported through this work. She first came along as a participant and was then asked to step up as an assistant coach. She described the moment it happened: “Ryan, he said, I need you to take over for me because I feel like you’ve got this.” 

Serenlee has grown into the role, gaining confidence and leadership skills — and she now gets paid for the work she does. Looking ahead, she says: “From next year now I’m looking to have my own team. I want to be the one [the participants] look up to. It feels like another part of a family… it’s just like another home when I come up here.” 

Working together, the Coalfields Regeneration Trust and our local partners are helping volunteers like Serenlee to build skills, confidence and stronger community connections — with a route into training and work. 

If you want to talk about skills and volunteering support in Welsh coalfield communities, contact the CRT Wales team:
Message here