Starting a new sports club gives people the opportunity to get fit, improve their mental health and create new friendships. Many clubs have been delivering sport across Wales for more than a century. But they once had to take their first steps.
Want to bring the enjoyment of your favourite sport to other people? Is there a sport you want to introduce to your area? Then start a new club and make a difference in your community.
With funding from The National Lottery via Sport Wales’ Be Active Wales fund, that’s exactly what Scott Esnouf of Rhondda Dragons Dodgeball did. He helped us put together these five important steps about how to start a new sports club.
Have an idea.
For the last five years, the adults of Pontypridd have been dipping, ducking and dodging balls with Rhondda Dragons Dodgeball Club. But the local children could only watch from the sidelines.
Scott had the idea of introducing a junior section to the club, giving youngsters the opportunity to participate in dodgeball and creating a pathway for them to continue enjoying the sport with the club as adults.
Discover demand.
Does your idea for a new sports club have legs? If the desire for a particular sport in your area is there, then your idea is worth pursuing.
According to our School Sports Survey results, more than 100,000 children in Wales wanted more opportunities to play dodgeball. Rhondda Dragons took advantage of that interest by giving young people a chance to join a community club.
