It all started with football. Yardley Gobion Football Club was formed in the early 1900s and thrived for decades. By the 1980s, the club dreamed of bigger things – proper changing rooms, showers, and a home for the community. When plans to build near the Coffee Pot Pub fell through, the team turned to the council for a field behind the school.
After a village meeting and a two-thirds vote in favour, the dream became reality. In 1985, the Yardley Gobion Recreation Centre charity was registered, and by 1989, the building shell was complete thanks to volunteer labour from committee members and football players.
The official opening took place in November 1990, and by 1992, we had expanded with a second bar, pool tables, and snooker tables. In 1995, we received a full license to sell drinks under the name Yardley Gobion Sports & Social Club. Today, we continue to grow and serve the community with sports, leisure, and social events for all ages.
Recreation Centre Volunteer Officials
Trustees - Barry Hook and Nick King
Chairman - Barry Hook
Treasurer/Secretary - Hazel Wedderburn
Committee - Brian Wedderburn, Roger Weston, Tara Ditum, Dawn Wintle, Dave Wintle, Tony Curtis
Sports & Leisure Centre Staff
Bar Manager - Kevin Williams
Cafe Manager - Tara Ditum
Bar Staff - Gemma, Christine, Guy, Nick, Tara,
Cleaner - Ian