I used to play quite a bit of tennis when I was younger but then I got older. A while back I…read moredecided that maybe I'd quite like to take it up again but on a smaller court, where I could have a few drinks either before or after and not be completely and utterly destroyed for days. Things had got bad with the fitness and the tennis. So that's when I decided that badminton might be the answer. After considering the options in the local area I dragged a friend down to one of their open sessions on a Sunday evening. It's £10 for about two hours and if you're new you get lessons in with that. Not cheap really but it's good to see if you like it enough to continue. After that you can either join or try table tennis, an even smaller court. I didn't end up continuing the badminton for very long but actually did really enjoy it here. It's an ultra friendly club, very neighbourhoodly, a little bit suburban and most members are either older or very young. Good indoor racquet sport options though for cold weather adverse. Gym too.

A brief study of previous clubs I've been to…read more Nearly all of the badminton clubs I've had the pleasure of gracing tend to subscribe to various extremes. These can be applied to the temperaments of the people, the quality of the play, the poise and precision of post-play banter, height, width and length of the hall, and the quantity of shuttle cocks. Because without enough shuttle cocks we might as well be swatting flies as a form of sweaty recreation. I recall two clubs in particular in Maidstone in Kent. I can't remember what they're called. I forgot them successfully. The first one interested me, because even the worst of players acted in a godlike manner. I left this club. The second abomination had a hall so small, and a ceiling so low that I'm convinced the dwarfs stranded outside wanted their wedding reception back. Why the Wimbledon Racquet & Fitness Centre is a 'keeper' in my view? Beyond expectations frankly. Lockers (which require only £1 deposit) and have enough room to keep all you groceries, a child of average height, a jacket, a brief case, and anything else associated with a burdensome modern lifestyle. The halls (playing space) is huge, immensely well kept and there is ample space allocated for those who wish to watch including (can you believe) more locker space near the court. But never fear, there aren't endless opportunities for the humble and nimble to spectate gormlessly at the sidelines. Whatever skill level you happen to be; whatever your racquet wielding disposition; you'll get regular on-court action. And advice to improve your game. The opportunities for improving your technique are constant, and the trainer's timekeeping sharp. For example on Sundays from 5 to 7pm the Beginners & Improvers Session takes place. This is £6 to members and £12 to non-members. The coaching sessions and playing sessions mix in perfectly. Either you can train (the coaching is excellent) or play mixed (or non-mixed) doubles games. There is also the Open Session on Friday which cost me, as a non-member, £12.50. But that's for over three hours of solid badminton and half time snacks (often delicious Chelsea Buns, doughnuts and Apple Turnovers). And hot tea. This is all thrown in to the price. If you haven't got a racquet they always have a good quality piece of equipment to hand - no extra charge or renting fee etc. Excellent stock of badminton goods to buy. I purchased my court shoes from the club for roughly 30 quid (excellent quality - superb in usage). Sublime cushioning. They're good. There are gym facilities. Full membership includes unlimited use of a fully equipped air-conditioned gym, unlimited use of saunas and changing-room facilities, and a free gym induction/training programme. Massive bonus: they're not (I repeat not) cliquey like a great many clubs. Anyhow I could go on and on. And you (doubtless) want your evening to yourself. I recommend the place. You can find out more here: http://www.wimbledonclub.co.uk Words: Phillip J Cogger

Now that the temperature is dropping and the dark nights are drawing in, we hockey players start to…read morelimber up and sharpen our hockey sticks in preparation for the forthcoming hockey season. Masochists? Us? Probably! After many years playing for a club in north London despite living south of the river for over 10 years, I finally changed clubs 3 years ago when I noticed Merton Hockey Club playing at the Hub, Tooting & Mitcham footballs club's venue about 10 minutes walk away from my house. Having been founded in 1894, the club's current main base is at the Hub Merton Hockey Club runs 4 men's league teams, 2 ladies league teams and a social mixed team. The teams all train together on Wednesday evenings and play their home league matches on the astroturf pitches at the Hub or at Bishopsford School a few minutes up the road There is a really friendly atmosphere within the club and players of all abilities are welcome. There is an active social program, an annual dinner and an Easter tour. The club supports members on umpiring and coaching courses in return for their participation in umpiring matches and joining the coaching team at the club. There is free hockey training for children on Saturday mornings So if you're looking for a hockey club, I can highly recommend coming to take a look at Merton Hockey Club

This is a great place "where everybody knows your name". Unfortunately you need to be a member to…read moredrink here. The beer is the cheapest in the village and they pour a great pint.

NINJA FREESTYLE MARTIAL ARTS ACADEMY is a friendly and well run club,based in sth london.We teach…read morevarious forms of martial arts at our academy e.g Kickboxing-Kung-Fu,we compete on a regular basis all round the country.We also work with community groups cater for children and adults,helping you achieve and living a healthy lifestyle.

this is an excellent kick boxing club, for children and adults, my children have been training and…read morethey love it

A community club with a great history of being one of the oldest rugby clubs in london…read more The club is trying to grow its playing structure from the well established minis to the well established senior men's team. They are working hard to fill the gaps between with U11, 12, 13, 14 and 16's, they apparently have some u18's also. They have started a women's section this year as well. Whilst from the outside the club house looks tatty the machinery under its skin is working really hard to provide a good rugby experience for those who are involved with the club. They have secured funding to update the facilities and this project is due to start once the current season finishes. Staff are welcoming and knowledgable about thief sport. They work in conjunction with the governing body of rugby to ensure they give the players the best possible opportunity.