About us

The Southern Croquet Federation

Whether an experienced player, a beginner or just curious about Croquet, you will find a friendly welcome at any club in the Southern Croquet Federation.

The Federation covers a geographical area from near Milton Keynes down to the Isle of Wight. There are about twenty clubs in the Federation, some are still in the developmental stage whilst others have been established for many years. Our development officer supports improvement programmes around the region and can advise on the funding, maintenance and equipment needs of clubs.

We organise competitive play to suit all levels, excellent coaching and many opportunities to play for relaxation, friendship and fitness. New members are always welcome and most clubs provide excellent introductory and corporate sessions with all equipment provided. Beginners courses are a regular feature at most clubs, as are “Come and Try” events and many social activities.

Whilst many members play Croquet for relaxation and meeting friends, others play competitively in the many league teams and regional tournaments. This website aims to provide an up to date news service of croquet activities within the Federation as well as developing an historical archive of the game in the region.

What we do

The Southern Croquet Federation promotes and develops the game of Croquet at all levels through:

  • A wide range of coaching courses
  • Organising league competitions at all formats and levels
  • Managing regional tournaments
  • Developing new clubs
  • Promoting club tournaments and events
  • Providing a forum for clubs to co-operate for the development of the game.

The Federation provides the essential link between the region and the national governing body of the game – Croquet England.

Croquet is one of the finest outdoor sports. It is a friendly game combining ball skills as well as tactics, it’s relatively easy to understand, and it’s fun to play.

We are always pleased to receive new members, of any age or level of experience from beginner to advanced. If you are an experienced club or match player, please click on our club section to learn more about the club and how to get in touch.

If you are thinking of taking up croquet from scratch, please keep reading this section for a brief introduction to the game and its benefits.

Why play croquet?

Croquet is an enjoyable, sociable game that can be played by people of any age and of either sex.

There are two principal forms of the game – Association and Golf.

Association Croquet is a game of complex strategy and high levels of skill, and is similar in many ways to games like snooker or pool.

Golf Croquet is quick to learn, but requires accuracy and tactics to master.

Both forms of the game may be played as singles or doubles and many people enjoy playing both, as skills learned in one form of the game may be applied to the other.

Croquet’s effective handicap system recognises smart thinking as much as physical skill, so everyone has a good chance of winning.

As with any game, the best players probably start young, but many take it up after retiring from more energetic pursuits. It can be as skilful as you want it to be – advanced players can take it very seriously, but most club members probably see it as a relaxing and friendly way of passing an afternoon.

Interested in playing?

Look at the available clubs and see what is on offer near you.