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 the right kit (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're 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:-
Padel: Mondays 3-5pm & Sundays 2-4pm BST (GMT tbc)
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
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
Regular Tennis is usually played in the doubles format 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. Rackets and balls can be provided.
Walking tennis is also played in the doubles format, but 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 balls are easier to see and hit and great for beginners or less confident tennis players. Adaptations like these can make tennis more accessible for those with creaky joints, injuries, mobility issues and visual impairments. Rackets and balls can be provided.
Padel
Come along, have-a-go and join the fun! The game is played in doubles format and players rotate in and out of games. Complete beginners welcome. Rackets and balls can be provided.
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) for more energetic players is another option. Footballs and bibs provided.
Croquet
We play croquet on the boowling green. It's carpet so the balls run super fast - it's much trickier than it looks, but everyone can play! We have all the equipment in the clubhouse and other players will happily explain the rules to newcomers.
Bowls
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 selection of bowls, jacks, mats etc in the clubhouse for people to borrow. These sessions are sporadic at best - our bowlers seem to prefer croquet!