SOB club’s future in the hands of the community

”We find it increasingly difficult to keep its doors open in the current economic climate,” says club president Cheryl Brooks.

The committee needs the support of the community to keep the club operating.

Cheryl says they rely on membership fees, subs, sponsorships and donations to try to keep going.

SOB recently celebrated its 70th anniversary and members are concerned about the survival of the club.

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“Membership fees are a substantial part of the income of the club, but are not enough to keep it going,” Cheryl explains.

The three subsections adding to the club’s income include bowling, cricket and soccer.

Cheryl says no association survives without fund-raising events and, although many successful events were held at the club over the years, they still need assistance from the community and sponsors to prevent the club from closing down.

The club provides bowling, cricket and soccer fields and facilitates numerous parties, conferences and weddings.

“The extra income from the different sport sections is vital to ensure we keep the doors open to the public and our loyal members.

“We will never turn away anyone who wants to play sport,” says Cheryl.

However, the club also has running costs that are vital to its existence, including the water and electricity account, staff members and maintenance of the club.

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“We have ground employees who have been with the club for well over 20 years, working tirelessly to keep our fields and grounds in excellent condition,” says Cheryl.

Over the years Old Boys have produced many members who have achieved local and provincial colours in cricket, bowls, rugby and hockey.

Rudi Bryson played professional cricket from 1986 to 2003, playing for Eastern Province, Northern Transvaal, Surrey Country Cricket Club as well as for South Africa.

Another ex-SOB cricketer is Wesley Barresi, who plays in the Netherlands national cricket team.

The soccer and cricket sections have a number of young members who are unable to pay their subs.

Cheryl says they are grateful to those parents who have sponsored these children and given them the opportunity to play the sport they enjoy so much.

“Young children in the surrounding area of the club can always be seen using our facilities to playing soccer, which keeps them off the street,” she says.

Two young club members have recently opened the Old Craft Bar, who Cheryl believes, a helps with getting new people to the club.

“We appreciate the effort of the many Old Boys members who have contributed to the existence of the club over the years.

“However, we need more assistance from the community to keep the club going,” says Cheryl.

For more information contact Cheryl on 076 8290 7892.