“We want young blood” – Salford Croquet Club encourages people of all ages to get involved in sport

Croquet was first played over 160 years ago in 1856. In Salford, it’s still going strong.

Local team Salford Croquet club are looking for new members to join them in this beautiful game.

 “People have quite a poor image of it. They think it’s crony old ladies with manicured lawns and a cup of tea and cream scones” remarks captain of the Croquet team Francis Rollinson.  

“I had a very poor image of croquet when I first started, because I like hockey, I like netball, I like competitive sports so I thought it wouldn’t be for me. A week later my friend came to me and said it was a game of tactics” and since that day Francis has been hooked. 

Now, just over 10 years later The Salford croquet club runs a fun weekly session every Thursday and Saturday from 1pm to 4 pm.  

The club is run on the old bowling green in Buile Hill park just beside the community café. Where you can buy a small beverage between matches.  

Currently the club is attended by older people. Francis says this is a good thing as a lot of “older people do not typically think of taking up a new sport. And it gives them something fun to do whilst also socialising and getting some exercise. Also, it’s a sport people watch and just enjoy as a spectator”  

Francis does want to emphasise the club is open to people of all ages and abilities. As over the half term holidays, they had a few younger get involved.  

“We’re thinking about sending someone to Boden in the new year to try and get more young people. We are in contact now with Salford academy and Saint Luke’s school. So, we are hoping to get some people from them every so often, they sent 10 people over in the summer and they had a wonderful time. They were about 14-15 years old, and they loved it.” 

With help, Francis wants to set up a younger team as “we want young blood” to get involved and carry on the legacy of croquet.  

At only £2 a session  it is a game I am sure it is a game anyone would be interested in trying out.

So if anyone is interested in joining the team or just curious to learn more about the sport contact Francis on 0161 317 6042 or drop a message on the Facebook page at the Salford Cricket club.