Revamped squash courts at Brinsworth are open to all

The two courts at Phoenix Sports Club at Brinsworth have been refurbished but are under-used, partly because there is a perception they are private.

That couldn’t be further from the truth.

The facility is open to everyone on a pay-as-you-play basis.

“About £3,000 has been spent refurbishing the courts and having the boiler repaired,” said regular Ken Dyson. "The premises are now good enough to play in but we have lost the core of our membership and unless we get some fresh faces and fresh impetus then the future doesn’t look good.”

Phoenix has been squeezed by a combination of rising costs and the loss of a lot of members to a few facility in Doncaster a few years ago. The opening of Rotherham Leisure Complex was another pull.

“We can’t compete with new builds and the game is all about heating,” explained Ken. “If you don’t have heating on then the ball doesn’t bounce and people aren’t happy.

“I am pleased to say we have got there now. There are the courts and separate changing rooms for men and women complete with showers. Whether you are nine or 90, come and give it a try.

“You pay £10 for an access swipe card to go in there when you want.”

Tokens are available from behind the Phoenix bar. They cost £2.50 each and last 11 minutes and trigger LED lights on that court to make play possible.

People typically buy four and have three-quarters of an hour on court.

“Ten years ago I was running four squash teams in the Sheffield and District League and we’d have internal leagues but those days have gone,” said Ken.

“People come down once or twice a week either have a fun game or a bit of training.

“The courts are used more for racketball these days. We have a core of 15 guys doing that. It uses a bigger, bouncier ball and racket head and isn’t as hard on the joints.”

Anyone interested in using the courts or joining the existing group for a knock-up can contact Ken Dyson on 07734 731141.