The Urdd Eisteddfod was worth up to £25m to the Welsh economy last year, new research suggests.
The economic effect of Wales' largest youth movement, Urdd Gobaith Cymru, is expected to swell to more than £31m by 2019-20.
The report was commissioned to measure the economic impact of the Urdd in Wales. The movement, founded in 1922, employs more than 300 people at 15 offices and centres across Wales. Its services include three residential centres, youth, community and sports departments an apprenticeship scheme as well as the the Urdd National Eisteddfod.
The findings will be revealed at an event in Y Senedd in Cardiff this morning.
The report by Cardiff-based Arad Consulting found the Urdd Eisteddfodau in 2018 generated an economic value of £11.5m, £5.5m of which was generated in the main Eisteddfod’s local area Brecon and Radnorshire.
The Urdd’s sports activities generated an economic value of £2.6m in Wales while the residential centres generated £6.9m - Llangrannog £3.1m; Glan-llyn £2m and Cardiff £1.8m – through expenditure on goods, services and staff as well as through local expenditure by visitors.
There was also a direct effect of £8.6m through expenditure on goods, services and staff in Wales.
Urdd Chief Executive Siân Lewis said: “Research company Arad were commissioned some months ago to assess the organisation’s economic value to Wales. It’s fair to say we are very pleased with the figures.
"With more than 300 members of staff, the Urdd is the largest Welsh medium third sector employer in Wales and since becoming CEO for the Urdd I have been impressed by the quality and commitment of our workforce and volunteers.
“The Urdd’s aim is to provide experiences and activities through the medium of Welsh for children and young people in Wales but this report demonstrates that we go way above our aims. I fully believe in our ability to generate jobs and wealth for the economy of Wales. In Llangrannog and Bala we have become an important part of the local economy and our ambition is to have a positive impact for future generations.”
The report’s findings come only a month after the Urdd announced a £5.5m investment in the Llangrannog and Glan-llyn Urdd centres, with a grant of £2.75m coming from Welsh Government.
The residential centres are based in rural areas in west Ceredigion and Meirionnydd, and this report clearly demonstrates the positive effect these centres have on the economy in the local areas.
Eluned Morgan AM, Minister for Welsh Language and Lifelong Learning added: “The Urdd has made a significant cultural, linguistic and educational contribution to Wales for many years.
"I’m sure many of us hold fond memories of summer camps, at Glan-llyn and Llangrannog and of competing at or visiting the Urdd Eisteddfod. It is very pleasing to learn that the Urdd is also making a significant economic contribution to Wales.
“I am particularly pleased Llangrannog and Glan-llyn are boosting the economy and providing jobs in rural, predominantly Welsh speaking areas which will help local people to stay in these areas which will allow the language to continue to thrive.
"I am also delighted the Welsh Government’s support for Llangrannog and Glan-llyn through the 21st Century Schools and Education Programme will provide a further boost for their local economies.”
It is estimated the value of the Urdd to the economy will be even higher in the future, with figures suggesting an increase of £2.3m to £27.8m in 2018-19 and a further £3.2m to £31m in 2019-20.
