New Kitchen Facilities for Markland Hill!

Aim

Creating a warm, welcoming community hub that encourages activity, friendship and wellbeing for all ages

Who are we?

Markland Hill Racquets Club was founded in 1927 to provide Tennis facilities, by means of 6 dedicated Tennis courts, in the local community. Squash courts were added at a later date and in 1970 Bolton Badminton Club agreed to merge with the Club. A new indoor hall was constructed providing 4 Badminton Courts and 1 Tennis court overlaid. Subsequently a small but effective gym space was created. This was the basis of the club we now have to date and is one of the best venues for Badminton in the North West. The badminton courts are used regularly by the Lancashire  County Badminton Association for tournaments and matches and also by Badminton England for the Senior Leagues. In the last few years we have offered pickleball which has been very popular and is now our largest section at the club.

The Club has a membership of over made up of Full Adult Sports Members, Students, Young, Junior 12-17 and Junior 5-11 categories. All the members have access to all 3 racquet sports. The Club is run by a small but dedicated collection of members.

Why are we crowdfunding?

Markland Hill Racquets Club has successfully used crowdfunding in the past to deliver important improvements that have benefited both our members and the wider community. Previous campaigns helped us upgrade our changing facilities following the Covid pandemic and replace ageing tennis court fencing, ensuring our facilities remained safe, accessible and welcoming for all.

Building on that success, we are now looking to raise funds for the next phase of improvements. This project will refurbish our clubhouse kitchen and replace ageing windows, creating a warmer, more comfortable environment where people can come together before and after activities.

These improvements will support our growing programme of weekly tennis, squash, badminton, pickleball and social activity sessions, particularly for adults aged 50+, helping to reduce isolation, increase physical activity and strengthen community connections.

We have also secured a pledge of match funding, meaning that every donation made will go even further in helping us deliver lasting benefits for our community.

How we'll spend the money raised

We are raising £30,000 to improve the clubhouse facilities at Markland Hill Racquets Club, creating a warmer, more welcoming environment for members and the wider community.

The funding will be used to refurbish the club's kitchen, replace ageing windows throughout the clubhouse, and improve our function room. These areas are at the heart of the club and are regularly used by participants attending our weekly tennis, squash, badminton and pickleball sessions.

By improving the kitchen and function room, we will create a more inviting space where people can socialise and enjoy refreshments after activities. Replacing the windows will improve comfort and energy efficiency, helping us provide a welcoming environment all year round.

These improvements will support our aim of reducing social isolation, encouraging more people to stay active, and ensuring the club continues to be a valued community hub for years to come.

Community Impact

Markland Hill Racquets Club provides a welcoming and inclusive environment where people of all ages and backgrounds can come together through sport and social activity. Our weekly tennis, squash, badminton and pickleball sessions help local people stay active, improve their physical and mental wellbeing, and build lasting friendships.

A key focus of the project is supporting adults aged 50+ and helping to reduce social isolation. Many participants attend not only for the activity itself but also for the opportunity to meet others and be part of a friendly community. Our daytime sessions are particularly popular with retired residents and those looking to become more active.

The improved clubhouse facilities will enable participants to spend more time socialising before and after activities, helping to strengthen community connections and create a greater sense of belonging. We expect 80-100 people to benefit regularly from the project, with many more members and visitors enjoying the enhanced facilities and welcoming atmosphere throughout the year.

How you can play your part

There are three simple ways to help us reach our target, and make this project a reality.

1. Make a pledge. Don’t delay if you’re going to support us because momentum is key to our success!

2. Spread the word. Share our project on your social media pages and tell the world to get behind us! The more people we reach, the more support we will get.

3. Offer rewards. Get involved if you are a local business by donating things we can offer to our supporters. We will give you a shout out!

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 22nd November 2026 at 5:22pm