About us
Our Team
Rachael Morgan
Centre Manager
Natalie McCallum
Centre Assistant
Our Story
It is over 10 years since a small Steering Group of Darvel people decided to stand up to the planned closure and demolition of the ‘SPORTY’ in Darvel by East Ayrshire Council. From that Group Darvel Community Trust (DCT) was formed and recognised as a charity on 22 April 2015. On 30 June 2017, the building and surrounding land were leased to the Trust through the Community Asset Transfer scheme. Everyone in the Trust lives in the local area – Neil Wishart (Chairperson), Kenny Rodgers (Secretary), Martin McAvoy (Trustee), Kenny Hunter (Community Member) and the Centre itself is managed and run by Rachael Morgan and assisted by Natalie McCallum, 4 fixed-term employees and a few volunteers.
So, since 30th June 2017, Sports Darvel has been run by local people for the benefit of our community. We meet weekly to review the operational, financial, and developmental objectives, to improve the facility, services and move towards the point when the Centre is self-sustaining.
Currently, this requires the Centre to generate over £80,000 every year to keep the doors open and while we got close to achieving this pre-Covid; enforced closures, combined with the recent cost of living impact on energy costs (rising from £12,500 to £30,000+ in 2024) has meant we’re still requiring to secure revenue grant funding each year as we build up income. Of course, revenue funding is for operational expenses. The building has required significant capital investment and from a decaying facility with minimal opening hours and activities, when we took control from the Council, we improved the fabric of the building allowing us to expand the range of activities, equipment, classes, and opening hours. We’ve also managed to raise annual income generated from £5,000 under Council control, to circa £50,000 annually.
So far the Trust has raised just under £550,000 in grant funding, generous donations, and sponsorship (Dustacco and Watermiser) for capital and operational expenditure and this has allowed us to make significant improvements:
A new upstairs gym and modern equipment
Installation of LED lights throughout the building
A new disabled toilet and shower room
Installation of an outdoor children’s play & agility trail
New children toilets
Refurbishment of the changing rooms and showers
A new community kitchen
New inflatables including a bungee run, obstacle course, ball pool and bouncy castle
A climbing wall for children
Installation of new heating fans and destratification
ceiling fan
Automated entry for gym members
Our Services and Classes
Thanks to the fantastic efforts of Rachael and Natalie, the services and classes on offer have moved on from the badminton and 5-a-side football that were offered before June 2017 to a wide range of health, fitness, and recreational activities, including:
PiYO
A combination of Pilates and Yoga for flexibility and strength
CORE
Bodyweight circuit training for your core (legs, back, glutes and abdomen)
Fit for life
Lower-intensity classes to promote health and fitness rehabilitation for GP referrals and others
Hall Hires
For sports such as badminton, table tennis and pickleball
Kettlebells
Total body conditioning and strength
Clubbercise
Dance yourself to fitness or enjoy the music and dance with glow sticks
Youth Clubs
Friday night Youth Clubs for primary school children
Spin Cycling
Suitable for everyone of all levels and skills and regular use promotes fitness and weight loss
Circuits
All over body work out with weights
Dance classes
Dance classes for children and adults
Suspension training
To develop flexibility, balance, and strength
Boxing/fight fitness
Punching pads not people, to destress whilst also gaining fitness
Killie Kickers
Fun football sessions for children
ZUMBA
Dance fitness delivered by Zara
Football pitch hire
Hire of our outdoor football pitch
Our Future
That’s the story so far but our plans for future developments at Sports Darvel are extensive and include:
So in the spirit of the Darvel motto, “Not for Ourselves but for Others” we’re focused on the ongoing development of the facility as well as adding equipment, activities, and services that will hopefully benefit positively on the health and wellbeing of everyone in the community. As a charity with trustees, volunteers, and employees who are working for the benefit of local people, we need and appreciate everyone’s support. Whether that is using the Centre, participating in surveys, or voting for us in local fundraising drives, we’re delighted to have your support and input.
