Council partners with Better to offer free space at leisure centres

The club start up scheme, which was launched in November 2023, is aimed at supporting new sports activities to improve residents’ wellbeing. 

It will be operational at all three of the Council’s leisure centres: Tadworth Leisure Centre, Donyngs Leisure Centre, and Horley Leisure Centre.

Following the announcement, Craig Penrose, Leisure Operations Manager, said: “Sport plays an important role in improving people’s physical and mental wellbeing. Our aim is to ensure there is a variety of activities for residents in all demographics. This initiative will go a long way in making this a reality. We are grateful to Better for the partnership”.

The award is for one year and the following clubs have been respectively confirmed as the 2024 awardees:

Tadworth Leisure Centre - Preston Manor Rd, Epsom, Tadworth KT20 5FB

• KICKS Dance. A parent and toddler dance class for ages 18 months to 2 years. Wednesdays from 1.45pm to 2.15pm. Class starts on Wednesday 7 February 2024. Bookings are available.
• Lion Heart Football Club. Futsal class for girls aged 6 to 12 years. Fridays from 4pm to 5pm. Class starts Friday 23 February 2024. Bookings available.

Donyngs Leisure Centre - Linkfield Ln, Redhill RH1 1DP

• All Dance Abilities. SEND dance class every other Saturday for those aged 3 to 8 years and 9 to 16 years. 3 to 8 years class is from 1pm to 1.45pm while the 9 to 16 years class is from 2pm to 2.45pm. Started Saturday 6 January 2024. Bookings are available.

Horley Leisure Centre - Anderson Way, Horley RH6 8SP

• Athena Martial Arts. Ladies only self-defence and boxing skills class. Fridays 10.30am to 11.30am. Started Friday 5 January 2024. To book email.

To be eligible, clubs had to among other requirements, be new or looking to start new sessions for a different demographic, demonstrate the need for the activity, have capacity for new members, and a sustainable plan to continue delivery once the free hours have stopped.