Hailsham Town Council actively campaigns for the growth of women’s and girls’ sport across the town, recognising the contribution made by local sports clubs, volunteers and community facilities in creating opportunities for women and girls of all ages to get active.
The campaign shines a spotlight on the wide range of sporting opportunities available for women and girls in Hailsham, showcasing the clubs, teams and dedicated volunteers helping to make sport more accessible and inclusive. It also highlights the important role that Town Council-maintained recreation grounds continue to play in supporting participation, health and wellbeing within the local community.
As women’s sport continues to enjoy unprecedented growth nationally, Hailsham is proud to be playing its part by providing quality facilities where local teams can train, compete and develop. Through ongoing investment in recreation grounds and partnerships with local clubs, the Town Council is committed to ensuring that sport remains accessible to everyone, regardless of age or ability.
One of the town’s principal sporting venues, the Western Road Recreation Ground, remains at the heart of women’s and girls’ sport in Hailsham. Throughout the year the ground hosts regular football, cricket and tennis training sessions, league fixtures and community sporting activities.
Among its regular users is Hailsham Town FC Women, who compete in the Sussex County Women and Girls Football League. The team plays its home fixtures at the ground, usually on Sunday afternoons, and continues to inspire more women and girls to take up the sport.
The Western Road Recreation Ground is also home to Hailsham Cricket Club’s Women’s ‘Roses’ team, while the club’s thriving Under-16 Girls side plays at nearby Roebuck Park in Hellingly. Both teams reflect the continued growth of female cricket within the town and provide clear pathways for young players to progress into adult cricket.
Hailsham Tennis Club, which is also based at the Western Road Recreation Ground, fields both a Ladies 1st Team and Ladies 2nd Team in competitive regional leagues. The club’s 1st Team competes in the highest tiers of the Tennis Sussex Leagues, while the 2nd Team competes in divisions including the Tennis Sussex L9E Doubles League, providing competitive opportunities for players of varying experience and ability.
Women’s sport in Hailsham extends well beyond Town Council-managed recreation grounds. Hailsham Hockey Club, based at the Hailsham Academy Trust, fields three successful women’s teams. Its Ladies 1st Team competes in the South East Division One West, while the Ladies 2nd and Ladies 3rd Teams compete in the South East Division One Martlets League and South East Women’s Division Three Martlets respectively.
The Academy campus is also home to Hailsham Netball Club, one of the town’s fastest-growing community sports clubs. Established in 2022, the club has rapidly expanded to offer opportunities for both adults and juniors, with several competitive adult squads alongside thriving junior sections for players aged Under-12 to Under-16. The club prides itself on offering a friendly, inclusive environment where players can enjoy netball whether they are returning to the sport or trying it for the first time.
Hailsham Bowling Club, located in Vicarage Lane, has a very active ladies’ section. The club regularly competes in the Eastbourne Ladies League and hosts several internal women’s competitions, such as the Ladies Singles, Ladies Pairs and Ladies 100 Up.
Collectively, these clubs make a significant contribution to community life by promoting healthy lifestyles, improving physical and mental wellbeing, building confidence and encouraging teamwork, while creating lasting friendships and opportunities for personal development.
Message from the Mayor of Hailsham: “Women’s sport has never been stronger, both nationally and here in Hailsham, and we are proud to celebrate the incredible contribution being made by our local clubs, coaches and volunteers. Our recreation grounds and community sports facilities provide valuable spaces where women and girls can develop their skills, enjoy being active and represent the town with pride.”
“The success of these clubs demonstrates the strength of community sport in Hailsham and the importance of continuing to invest in facilities that encourage participation for everyone. We want to see even more women and girls discovering the many physical, social and wellbeing benefits that sport can offer.”
Hailsham Town Council remains committed to supporting local sporting organisations through the provision of high-quality recreation grounds and by working closely with clubs and partner organisations to improve sporting opportunities across the town.
The Council hopes that by raising the profile of women’s and girls’ sport, more residents will be inspired to get involved – whether as players, volunteers, coaches or supporters – and help ensure that Hailsham continues to be a thriving place for community sport.