Colets is the home of the Old Pauline Sports Clubs (for former pupils of St. Pauls’ School, Barnes). Home fixtures have been held at the ground since the inaugural game of rugby between the Old Paulines and Old Blues in 1930. Up until the mid-1970s the 15-acre grounds were only used by the OP rugby and cricket clubs at weekends and it was run entirely by one groundsman and six volunteers. A brave decision was then made to build a new clubhouse with six squash courts that would be run by professional staff and to invite people from the local community to become members of Colets and use the facilities.
As a result, the new Thames Ditton Sports and Squash Club (later to be named “Colets Health and Fitness”) was formed in 1977, the intention being that sufficient income would be generated to ensure the long-term future of the Old Pauline sports pitches and clubhouse and provide first class facilities for local members.
Today, the Old Paulines Sports Clubs are still going strong with rugby, football and cricket teams . You do not need to be an Old Boy so if you are interested in playing for the teams then please get in contact with one of the relevant captains…
John Barrett Club Captain clubcaptain@opfc.org.uk
Jehan Sherjan jehansherjan@hotmail.com
Tom Peters podgerogers@hotmail.com
Although the pitches are in use throughout the year for all sports, there are occasions on which a pitch may be available for hire. Pitch hire will include use of the changing rooms and bar and we can also provide refreshments / food (including cricket teas) if needed. For more information on hiring a pitch, please contact:
Alex Harris: alexh@colets.co.uk
As a not-for-profit club, Colets has re-invested continuously over the past 41 years to provide the local area with some of the best facilities around. Below are some of our key investments to date.