Sunbury – A sporting cornucopia

SPORT is the real love of many people’s lives. Whether you’re a player or simply a spectator, there are moments in sport that can transport you to the heights – or dump you into a slough of despond – and it is those peaks and troughs, which keep you coming back for more.

So we decided to focus on the opportunities for our readers to enjoy sport in the Sunbury area and its surrounds.

We’ll start with the most well known sporting centres around.
Kempton Park racecourse is one of the best-known horse racing tracks in the United Kingdom. Home to the iconic King George VI stakes, the traditional Christmas time classic that takes place (normally) on Boxing Day and attracts huge crowds of punters. But since the laying of its all-weather floodlit circuit, Kempton also hosts regular meetings – both flat racing and over the jumps on a smaller scale any of which can still give you that magic buzz as the horses round the final turn heading for the post.
Prices start from around £12 or £15 depending on the time of year and the event and there are many special days catering for the whole family with various entertainments laid on. For more information, and to see when meetings are scheduled, visit www.kempton.co.uk.

Rugby Union is a sport that has grown rapidly in popularity in recent years and Sunbury is fortunate to act as the home of London Irish RFC. Irish were formed back in 1889 and have had a presence in The Avenue, Sunbury for many years but when the game went professional in 1996, the pro side switched its matches to the Madejski Stadium in Reading. However, the amateur, junior, mini and girls’ sides all play their home matches at the Avenue and welcome spectators and those wishing to learn how to play the game.  The professionals can also be seen playing A League matches at Sunbury some Monday evenings when spectators can watch for free.
For more information about the club visit the website at www.london-irish-amateur.co.uk.
Another high quality rugby union side based close to Sunbury is Staines RFC who play their home matches at The Reeves ground in Snakey Lane, Hanworth, a five-minute car journey from Sunbury Cross.
Staines RFC was formed in 1926 and now plays in the National League, London and South-East Division 3.
The club has enjoyed a relatively successful period in recent years and exciting games at the Reeves are virtually guaranteed. The club also offers junior and mini sections for those who want to learn the game. For more details, visit www.stainesrugby.co.uk.

While Sunbury doesn’t yet boast a top class football side (with due respects to all the many teams who play in the area) there are two teams who play just outside the football league within easy reach.
Closest to Sunbury is Hampton and Richmond Borough FC who play in the Blue Square Conference South and whose home at Beveree in Beaver Close, Hampton, is within easy reach of Sunbury.
Managed by former West Ham favourite Alan Devonshire, the Beavers have risen steadily through the football pyramid since their foundation in 1921. Tickets for most games cost £10 for adults. For more information, visit www.hamptonfc.net.
Three miles in the opposite direction, you’ll find Staines Town FC who also compete in the Blue Square Conference South and who play their home matches at the ground in Wheatsheaf Lane, Staines.  Further details can be obtained from www.stainesmassive.info.

More interested in taking part in sport than watching? Well Sunbury has a wide variety of sporting opportunities to keep you interested.
Golf: There are two excellent golfing facilities close to Sunbury. Firstly, there’s Sunbury Golf Club, which offers 27 holes of golf at its centre in Charlton Lane. The centre has a 5,200-yard 18-hole course, which provides an excellent variety and test for golfers of all standards. Additionally, there’s a 2,500-yard nine-hole course that is tailor made for golfers just starting out in the game or those who don’t have the time to fit in a full 18 holes. PGA professional instructors can help those wanting to learn the game and a floodlit driving range is a great place to practice once you’ve learned the basics. There’s also a delightful clubhouse and a well-stocked pro shop. Golfers wanting to play the 18-hole course should probably book but if you want to use the nine-hole course, which is less busy, you can normally just show up. Green fees range from £7.50 to £27. For more information, visit the website at www.sunburygolf.co.uk.
The second course – Hazelwood – can be found in Croysdale Avenue, Sunbury and offers a delightful nine-hole course with some testing holes. Hazelwood offers a modern clubhouse with great facilities, a floodlit driving range, PGA professional coaches and, again, a comprehensive pro shop which can satisfy your equipment and clothing needs. Green fees range from £8 to £20 and more information can be obtained from a visit to the website at www.hazelwoodgolf.com.

For a whole variety of sporting opportunities, don’t forget Sunbury Leisure Centre, based at Nursery Road.  From an excellent swimming pool through a myriad of gym facilities to facilities for squash, five-a-side football and badminton, the centre can cater for many interests. For details about membership, prices and booking, visit www.everyoneactive.com and search for the Sunbury pages.
If you love the sound of willow on leather and the atmosphere of village cricket, then why not pay a visit to Sunbury Cricket Club. Based at their beautiful ground in Lower Hampton Road, Sunbury is one of the best cricket clubs in the region with an excellent first team who play their matches in the Surrey championship and a whole host of junior, veteran and ladies’ sides. There are top class coaching facilities for those who’d like to get actively involved with the sport. For more, visit www.sunburycricket.co.uk.

Other sports to be found in Sunbury – together with their contact details, include:
Basketball: Sunbury Sonics who play in the men’s premier division of the Surrey Basketball Championship – www.surreybasketball.leaguerepublic.com.

Hockey: Sunbury and Walton Hawks Hockey Club who are based at St Paul’s Catholic College, Manor Lane, off Green Lane, Sunbury. The club offers men’s, ladies’ and mixed team to a high standard. Visit www.swhawks.com.

Fishing: Halliford Mere lakes, Chertsey Road, Shepperton offers trout and fly-fishing in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Contact www.hallifordmere.co.uk.
Ashmere Fisheries, Felix Lane, Shepperton. An excellent trout fishery with tuition available. Visit www.go-fish.co.uk.