We hold regular Tennis, Walking Tennis, Croquet, Walking Football and Running Football Social Sessions for adults and children 14yrs+ and there's no need to be a member to play. Everyone is welcome.
Social sports sessions at RSC are very much low-cost, player-led community activities. What this means is that there's no coach, no judgement, no need to have all the right kit (because we can provide it) and apart from trainers, it doesn't really matter what you wear. The whole point is to encourage people to come along, have-a-go, meet new friends and get some exercise.
For members the sessions are free; for non-members they cost just £3 on the day which can be paid in cash or by card (via a QR code to a secure online payment link). The summer (BST) and winter (GMT) timings are as follows:-
Tennis: Tuesdays & Fridays: 2-4pm BST / 1-3pm GMT
Walking Tennis: Tuesdays: 4-6pm BST / 3-4pm GMT
Walking Football: Saturdays: 10-11am BST and GMT
Running Football: Saturdays 9-10am BST and GMT, and Wednesdays 6pm BST
Bowling: Tuesdays 2-4pm BST only (please note - we're short of players so these sessions are sporadic at the moment)
Croquet: Thursdays and Sundays: 2-4pm BST and GMT (unless otherwise advertised)
* NB: These sessions are always dependent on the weather and the numbers wanting to attend, so we operate special WhatsApp Groups to facilitate thier organisation and to enable players to chat with each other and arrange their own friendly games. If you haven't been before, please get in touch first to check that a session is running and/or join a WhatsApp Group. Or just turn up on the day and take pot luck.
Tennis
At social tennis we usually play doubles and, if there are more than four people, players simply rotate in and out of games. You don't need to be of an especially high standard, but you do need to be able to play a basic game. We have tennis balls and spare rackets in the clubhouse that you can borrow if you don't have them.
Walking Tennis
Walking tennis is played with softer tennis balls that bounce more slowly than the regular yellow ones. The balls are also allowed to bounce twice before being returned and (obviously) players are not allowed to run. The slower bouncing balls are much easier to see and hit and great for beginners or less confident tennis players, but all are welcome. Adaptations like these can make tennis more accessible for those with creaky joints, injuries, mobility issues and visual impairments. We have spare rackets in the clubhouse available to borrow if needed and we supply the special balls.
Football
Walking Football mainly follows the usual rules of football but with some small changes, the obvious one being that players are not allowed to run (click here to read more). It's a great fun, non-contact, community activity and everyone is welcome, but it is especially suitable for active, older people. Footballs and bibs are provided.
Running Football (i.e., regular 5-a-side) is also an option. Footballs and bibs are provided.
Bowling
Even if you've never played before, bowls is a game which everyone can have-a-go-at and other players will always be happy to explain the rules and basic techniques. We have a large bowling green at RSC and a selection of bowls, jacks, mats etc in the clubhouse for people to borrow. Social bowling is currently only offered in the warmer summer months.
Croquet
We also use our bowling green for croquet. The balls run super fast on the carpet and although everyone can play, it's much trickier than it looks! We have all the equipment in the clubhouse and other players will happily explain the rules to newcomers.