CLUB AWARDS
Calling all clubs... With the Club Awards closing for entries on July 31, Sports Club Management offers up a whirlwind tour of just some of the clubs who’ve entered the Awards so far – from cricket clubs to rugby clubs and from Dorset to Lancashire. Have you entered yet? Time to get inspired... COBHAM SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB Dorset
With an mighty membership of 2600, Cobham Sports and Social Club is one of the true jewels of the Dorset scene and one of the relative newcomers to boot, having only been open since 1971 – a mere baby compared to some. Part of the reason for the venue’s ongoing success and steady increase in membership is its modern, forward-thinking approach. This has included the redevelopment of their bowling alley into two alleys with a diner, which is proving hugely popular with children and groups. The members’ lounge is seeing the two food areas combined serving 2000 meals per week on average. There’s also a barbecue in the outside area. The club has two cricket fields, two football pitches, tennis courts, a multi-use games area and a bowling green as well as a 9-hole golf course, pool and darts. There's even a mini railway within the large grounds. The two well-stocked bars play host to sports screenings, and when the lights go down, customers can enjoy live music (including regular tribute acts) and quizzes which always go down a storm. SOUTHPORT AND AINSDALE GOLF CLUB Merseyside Opened in 1906 Southport and Ainsdale Golf Club is currently reaping the benefits of quite a major overhaul over the past year, which has seen an impressive refurbishment of the already outstanding clubhouse. The club hosted the British Boys Championships which gave the club a big boost
Astroturf installed and two canopies on the bowling green. Events have been hugely popular, including the Marston’s Open Championships. On top of all the sporting investment and activity, there’s also been £30,000 ploughed into the bar and lounge. Members can enjoy a huge function room as well as a well-stocked bar, serving up a stupendous array of real ales. Sky and BT are all present and correct and there is a whole range of regular events and entertainment such as quizzes, live music, barbecues, comedy nights and parties over the summer. and there has been an increase in ladies’ membership and a big push to increase membership for juniors. Alongside the superb course, members can enjoy a bar which is as well stocked as any in the land, with an excellent cask ale offering and a myriad of thirst-quenching post-putting tipples. Food can also be enjoyed after a busy afternoon on the fairways and the club plays host to regular social events, including snooker competitions, when golf greens are swapped for the green baize.
WORKINGTON ZEBRAS Cumbria Cumbria’s Workington Zebras club has been around a fair old while, having opened its doors in 1877. This rugby club has witnessed some massive changes including the establishment of the ladies’ rugby team which has been a big success. One of the reasons for its continued growth is that many of the ‘old boys’ have returned to join committees, providing a huge investment of time into the running the club and its events. An RFU grant has seen the
WEST HEATON BOWLING, TENNIS AND SQUASH CLUB Stockport As its name suggests, West Heaton Bowling, Tennis and Squash Club is a sports club with a range of activities. It’s been around for a while – 143 years to be exact – and has seen a membership boost of around 100 members in recent months. There’s been a real investment in facilities at this lovely venue, with new lighting on tennis courts,
changing rooms updated and there’s been a refurbishment of the existing grandstand as well as a wholesale redecorating of the club itself. The rugby teams are obviously the focal point here but there’s superb all-round catering for other activities such as pool and darts. On the social side, there’s an annual beer festival and the club regularly plays host to birthday parties and other special occasions. You could say that this is a venue that has more than earned its stripes.
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