In its previous life, the Sandton Sports Club at George Lea Park was, at best, “fine”. It was okay. It did the job. It had a few fields, beach volleyball court, some tired tennis courts, a small serviceable hall that hosted a few classes and events and fairly substantial parking. Nothing to write home about, but it served as a fairly decent green space in the heart of Parkmore.
Not anymore.
Featuring a new volunteer-based committee with a razor-sharp focus and tireless dedication, the Sandton Sports Club has become the go-to venue for families, sports fanatics and innovative businesses looking for a new home. And, you don’t need to be a member to enjoy all it has to offer (unless you want to – see below as to why we think it’s a good idea!)
There is also a fully fenced-off shaded grassy area where the kids can play – with brand new jungle gyms and dedicated childminders. There is also plenty of secure outdoor space where kids can skateboard, rollerblade and ride their bikes, as the entire club has been ring-fenced with new perimeter fencing and dedicated security guards have been added. Can anyone say “new playdate venue to try”?
The Milk Bar has also fully renovated the old Hall into an upmarket modern events venue called BOTANIST, that is now available for corporate events, birthday celebrations, wedding receptions and more.
Other offerings include:
Eat, Work, Playdate, Family Time
To be fair, the brand new Milk Bar is reason enough to visit! With a stunning bar area and tables spilling out onto a large deck, Milk Bar is already THE go-to spot on Thursday nights (if you enjoy live music) and Friday nights (for sundowners and a delicious meal). While I was there, I noticed many people using the outdoor tables as a workspace – and who can blame them, with beautiful views and outstanding coffee, why not?
There is also a fully fenced-off shaded grassy area where the kids can play – with brand new jungle gyms and dedicated childminders. There is also plenty of secure outdoor space where kids can skateboard, rollerblade and ride their bikes, as the entire club has been ring-fenced with new perimeter fencing and dedicated security guards have been added. Can anyone say “new playdate venue to try”?
The Milk Bar has also fully renovated the old Hall into an upmarket modern events venue called BOTANIST, that is now available for corporate events, birthday celebrations, wedding receptions and more.
Get Active
On the sports' front, the club’s key offering is the brand new 5-a-side soccer fields and clubhouse, brought to you by the same operators as the Discovery Soccer Park at Wanderers. Social, Corporate, Ladies and Mixed leagues will be hosted in the evenings and on the weekends. The club is also home to a junior football club and an extension of the Warriors FC, currently at the Wanderers Club. Catering for ages from 3 upwards, the club prides itself on its highly qualified elite trainers with international experience.
Other offerings include:
- Tennis (on the fully revamped tennis courts) - coaching, use of the courts, or social tennis on a Saturday afternoon
- Adventure Boot Camp for Women
- Parkour (adults and children)
- Nedbank Running Club (5km Time Trial each Wednesday at 5.45pm)
- Beach Volleyball
- Specialist Cricket Academy
- Puzzle Park (for children)
- Netball Club
- Mountain bike track
- Running track
- Gym offerings
Children's Parties
If you’re looking for an exciting new party venue, then the Soccer Club and Clubhouse might be exactly what you’re looking for! With dedicated soccer co-ordinators, complete use of a section of the Soccer Clubhouse and deck, and with optional catering available from Milk Bar – this venue is ideal for those wanting an active outdoor party away from home. Plus, the venue is licensed.Members Welcome
No membership fee is required to enjoy the Sandton Sports Club and all it has to offer, however paying members will receive a 10% discount on their total Milk Bar bill, reduced rates on various club offerings, and voting rights as to the direction the club takes in the future. Membership fees are as little as R100 per person per month or R120 per month for a family of four. And yes, I signed up (via their website).
