ANNUAL UPDATE from the Old Bristolians’ Sports Clubs

The Incorporation of Old Bristolians Sports Club

OBSC is unique in Bristol, the history of which you can read about on page 26.

Over the years written agreements between the Society and OBSC governed the management and operation of Failand. However modern times now require a lot more to be considered and regulated when running a sports club.

Sports clubs are encouraged to incorporate to protect club officers and members from liability in the event of litigation.

The Clubhouse needs redevelopment to meet the needs of a growing membership, particularly youth members where there are very specific safeguarding regulations for playing, coaching and facilities.

The Sporting Bodies can provide most of the funds through grants but security of tenure for 25 years is required.

OBSC Limited was incorporated on 22nd September 2022 with a board of three Directors nominated by the playing sections. The Directors delegate responsibility for day to day management and operations of Failand to a Management Committee made up from the playing sections and the Society.

Incorporation is a major step forward. It solves the issues of liability and security of tenure can be achieved by the Society granting OBSC a lease which will secure the future development of Failand.

Cricket Club

OBWCC is an open club full of former students as well as people keen to support and represent the School. Whether you want to play friendly or competitive cricket, come along to one of our socials or, simply, enjoy a summer stroll around the site, a very warm welcome awaits you!

We have a thriving Youth section where boys and girls from U9 are given their first taste of cricket, before being nurtured and encouraged all the way through into the adult sides. Youth teams are the club’s

Hockey Club

OBHC is one of the largest hockey clubs in Bristol with 6 men’s and 5 women’s teams, men & women veteran sides, a mixed team, several junior sides ranging from U12s to U16s as well as 4 men’s & 4 women’s sides participating in summer league hockey.

This season 90 juniors, 50 adults and Flyerz Hockey –a grassroots disability-inclusive hockey group joined OBHC taking our membership to over 700 people looked after by 8 qualified coaches. We hope to begin to host Flyerz on our Stirratt pitch once we’re able to install accessible toilets.

life-blood and with a burgeoning girls’ section we’re delighted to launch a new U11 girls-only side this season, with 3 girls already being selected in the Somerset U11 pathway. The long term future of Women's cricket at Failand is very promising!

The Men’s 1st XI are looking to return to the West of England Premier League & the 2nd XI continue their fine form from last season, having won 10 of 11 matches. The 3rd and 4th teams were promoted last year and can’t wait for some new opposition.

Also this season, our Ladies 2nd team was promoted after winning all their games, with our Men’s 2nd, 4th & 5th teams contending for promotion.

We’re a friendly, inclusive club looking to have fun as well as win as many games as possible! With a busy social calendar throughout the year, we host quizzes, formal dinners and organise charity fundraising. Our Christmas events raised nearly £390 for the North West Bristol Food Bank as well as 70kg of donatable food and we made sure to support Movember and raise funds to support Ukraine. Visit our website to get involved –https://obhc.org.uk

Grassroots disability-inclusive hockey across England www.englandhockey.co.uk/play/flyerz

Fortnightly at Old Bristolians Hockey Club supported by

Fun, friendly and relaxed sessions where players can develop at their own pace ensuring all needs are met and most importantly, everyone has a good time.

To find out more, volunteer, support or play hockey contact lizzie.edgecombe@accesssport.org.uk