The Riverside Sports Bar x Welsh Sports Fans has become a beacon for sports lovers and local clubs alike in Newport. Led by Daniel Harris, the venue has created a unique, inclusive space that welcomes fans, athletes, and families from all walks of life. Whether it’s providing free food after matches, sponsoring grassroots teams, or raising money for charities, this is a pub with sport in its soul—and community at its heart.
Riverside Sports Bar has made an extraordinary contribution to the local sports and community scene by:
- Sponsoring Teams and Individuals:
- Financial support for Newport Corinthians FC, Newport City FC, Hartridge RFC, Newport High School Old Boys RFC, and a local boxer.
- Sponsorship of podcasts including the 1912 Exiles (Newport County) and Dragons Lair (Dragons RFC).
- Provided support to a local swimmer and a female pool player.
- Hosting and Supporting Local Sports Groups:
- A hub for numerous football, rugby, and netball teams for their post-match socials.
- Hosted 100+ fans for the Super Bowl, becoming a go-to venue for NFL in South Wales.
- Charity and Community Initiatives:
- Promoted and contributed to fundraising efforts for Newport HSOB after their clubhouse was flooded.
- Supported causes like 2Wish and Mind, and provided free meals for children from disadvantaged backgrounds via a local school.
- Collected donations of toys, clothes, food, and toiletries for local homelessness charities.
- Inclusivity and Recognition:
- Officially designated a Her Game Too pub, advocating for gender equality and a safe environment for women in sport.
- Hosted Her Game Too events, reinforcing its inclusive ethos.
- Amplifying Local Voices:
- Regularly shares and promotes local team updates, charity appeals, and event coverage on its digital platforms.
The bar is now regarded as a central hub for sport in Newport. Whether fans are supporting their local side or watching international fixtures, they know they’ll be welcomed in a family-friendly environment. Teams, charities, and individuals consistently praise the venue for its generosity, accessibility, and community-first ethos.
Riverside Sports Bar has become a lifeline for dozens of sportspeople and organisations, supporting both their fundraising and visibility. It has raised thousands of pounds, inspired inclusive fan culture, and strengthened Newport’s grassroots sporting ecosystem. In a divided world, it’s a unifying space—on and off the pitch.
From championing women in sport to feeding young athletes, and from hosting international events to supporting local fundraisers, Riverside Sports Bar shows the massive impact a sports pub can have when it’s rooted in community values.
