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When the pandemic hit, self-described ‘avid gamer’ Anthony Rout, from Senghenydd, suddenly had a lot of time on his hands.

During this time, Anthony came up with the idea for a community group where gamers can come together in a welcoming environment to play board games, war games and even role-playing games like Dungeons and Dragons – something he said was lacking in the area.

In January 2022, with Covid restrictions eased, this idea became reality when the Community Gaming Club was launched at the Aber Hotel in Abertridwr.

The club has held weekly sessions in the upstairs function room there ever since, which the Aber Hotel lets them use for free.

“I expected it to be a small thing, but it very quickly outgrew just me,” said Anthony, who promoted the club through his Facebook group – which now has more than 500 members.

Fast forward to today and the club holds gaming nights three times a week across Caerphilly, including at the Kings Arms pub – with the club having inspired similar groups in places like Risca, Maesycwmmer and Blackwood.

The club regularly gets up to 20 people attending each of its sessions, ranging from as young as eight-years-old up to adults – with a focus on making the group as inclusive as possible, particularly for people on the autism spectrum, those with disabilities and members of the LGBTQ+ community.

“There’s no stigma here. Everyone is treated like gamers,” Anthony said. “It’s part of our charm.”

Gareth Camplin, who helps Anthony run the club, said: “There’s a stigma with board games. Some might not feel like they’re welcome, but that’s certainly not the case.

“We’re open – people only have to knock the door.”

Gareth, who is from Maesycwmmer, also explained the benefits the club has brought to some of its members.

“I’ve noticed a difference in some of the members since they started attending,” he said. “They’ve built confidence and it’s had a positive impact on them.

“There’s a big need for this sort of thing.”

Anthony reiterated this and said: “I’ve seen a big difference in their confidence.

“Our Dungeons and Dragons group has 26 regular players now – a lot of them were first-time players when they started here.

“Many were low on confidence, but they’ve excelled in lots of different skills, such as creative thinking, critical thinking and more.”

One person who the club has had a big impact on is 16-year-old Ieuan Tennyson, from Senghenydd.

When Ieuan was just 14, he was diagnosed with testicular cancer and went through chemotherapy. His condition meant he and his mother, Suzie Mead, were forced to shield during the pandemic.

“It’s really nice here,” Ieuan said. “Having that common interest with people really helps.

“It’s amazing and the way it’s conducted makes me feel included.

“It’s rare to talk to someone with the same interests as m, I’d normally have to go online to do that, so it’s refreshing to come here.”

Suzie said: “This area is very sports-orientated. There’s not as many places for people to go and play Dungeons and Dragons for example. Ieuan has flourished here.”

Everyone here smiles and says hello – unless they’re engrossed in a game,” she joked. “People here have treated Ieuan like a person. Outside, many people were scared to talk to him after his diagnosis.”

Meanwhile, 22-year-old Jacob Mansell, who enjoys model-making in his spare time, has been a member of the club for around six months. He described the group as “laid-back and all about having fun.”

Jacob, who travels from Pencoed, near Bridgend, to take part, attends alongside his girlfriend, Molly, who lives in Bedwas.

“It’s the first club I’ve been to,” Jacob said. “No one is overly-competitive, it’s a nice environment.

“Being able to show off your hobbies and your creations is great, and it’s so nice when other people are interested in your hobby.”

As well as board games, the club also has card games, Pokemon, archery, chair football, Nerf battles and much more – including games created by club members themselves.

There is also an emphasis on making gaming affordable to people, Anthony explained.

Entry to sessions costs £3, with all the money raised reinvested into the club to pay for games, equipment and more.

“Fundamentally, this is a community gaming club. We want people to build friendships, share advice, learn skills, blow off steam and chat.

“The hope is, as we continue to grow, we can get more involved in tournaments and leagues.”

Visit the Community Gaming Club’s Facebook group for more information about the club.