A league of their own

BURGAU SPORTS CENTRE IS A SOCIAL HUB WHEREBY FAMILIES COME TOGETHER TO ENJOY A WIDE VARIETY SPORTS, ACTIVITIES, CLASSES AND EVENTS

From its opening on May Day 1984 through to now, Burgau Sports Centre continues to expand and improve to build a welcoming community as well as a fitness hub. Founder Andy Robinson created the Centre with the help of a few locals from the ‘sleepy fishing village’ of Burgau. He initiated a ‘locals versus tourists’ football match on the beach which, in turn, led to the development of the Centre. Andy was a P.E teacher who previously played 1st class Rugby for WASPS and the London Welsh. Andy and his wife Judy relocated here over 37 years ago, and their three sons Dan, Ben and Sam are actively involved in the day-to-day running of the Sports Centre.

The eldest son, Dan, is the tennis coach and helps to run activities and new initiatives, alongside his brothers. “What I love most about the Centre is that I grew up here,” he explains. “My dad taught my friends, and now I am teaching my friends kids!”

The site boasts three tennis courts, one multipurpose court, a gym, swimming pool, games room, studio and café. Recently, the family renovated the gym to create “more of a sports centre and social part of the community”. Popular classes included the Tennis Club (usually hosting around 24 adults). And, for the youngsters, their Football Academy was a great hit. Often up to 60 children enjoyed this academy. Classes and clubs are open to all ages and all abilities and to enquire you can either go into the centre or refer to their Facebook page to see what’s on.

For those who are not necessarily into competitive sports, other activities take place such as arts & crafts, yoga and the infamous Boogie Bounce (a complete exercise programme performed on a mini trampoline). Rebecca Simpson also operates her Sports Therapy business on-site. They are always open to new ideas and the studio is welcome to rent for those who teach classes or activities.

In the Café, Sophia Shanahan (Dan’s sister-in-law) runs Plant Based Burgau which is open to the public. It offers meals and takeaways throughout the day with plant-based and gluten-free options. Her aim is to use locally sourced and seasonal produce. People can sit and enjoy a healthy option and even watch the live sports games that are available that day.

It seems that there is not a lot the Centre doesn’t offer and even its contributions to the local community are outstanding. Last year, the Burgau Sports Centre Golf Society, which is held at Santo Antonio golf course, near Lagos, managed to raise around €3.500 for local charities in aid of those affected by the ongoing pandemic. In the future, Dan hopes that the Centre will continue to be a pillar of the community and hopes to share new memories with the next generation “from one family to another”.

Facebook: Burgau Sports Centre | Burgau Sports Centre Community E: danrob.bsc@gmail.com | benrob.bsc@gmail.com

T: +351 282697350 | +351 963750432