‘Maintaining the Traditions of British Sport’? The Private Sports Club in the Twentieth Century

Abstract

Clubs were a cornerstone of sporting activity in Britain, providing opportunities for play, sociability and competition for a range of participants, but little research has been undertaken on the ways in which they developed during the twentieth century. This study considers private bowls, golf and tennis clubs, sports that have received limited attention from historians in spite of their undoubted popularity. An attempt is made to chart the life cycle of this type of club to see how successful it was in adapting to changing economic and social circumstances: key issues such as membership, finance and social aspects are addressed. Another form of private sports club that has been largely overlooked is the often extensive facility provided within the workplace, not only in factory settings but also in the retail and service sectors of the economy. The impact of company sport on local areas is discussed.