Whelley Sports and Community Ltd faced the brink of closure after the COVID-19 pandemic but has since undergone a remarkable transformation thanks to the dedication and vision of Mark Demings. As a full-time engineer and family man, Mark committed six months of his own time to turn the club around, creating a thriving, family-friendly, and sports-focused community hub. Today, Whelley Sports and Community Ltd is buzzing with activities nearly every night, bringing people together through sport and social interaction.
What they did:
Mark Demings has transformed Whelley Sports and Community Ltd from a struggling venue into a vibrant community space by introducing a variety of sporting and social activities.
Key Community and Sporting Initiatives:
- Creating a Family-Friendly Environment:
- Built a dedicated darts room from a disused lounge area, now featuring four darts boards and an additional wheelchair/child’s darts board.
- Encouraged families to use the space, inviting parents and children to play darts and pool together.
- Installed football nets on the unused green at the rear of the club to give children a safe place to play.
- Supporting Diverse Sporting Activities:
- Started a men’s darts and dominoes team which plays on Monday nights.
- Initiated a women’s darts and dominoes team playing on Tuesdays.
- Formed a pool team led by Mark’s cousin, Chrissy Demings, which competes on Thursdays.
- Launched a snooker and billiards team, expanding the club’s range of sports.
- Building Community Bonds:
- Hosted the Wigan Darts League and The Elite 8 team, bringing local and regional players together.
- Established a local poker league on Tuesdays and provided practice space for a Morris dancing team on Wednesdays.
- Worked with a local school to offer darts and maths development on Thursdays.
The community has embraced the revitalised space, recognising the positive impact it has had on social connections and mental health. The venue has become a haven for people looking to rebuild their confidence and rekindle friendships after the isolation of the pandemic. Mark’s efforts have been widely praised, with residents expressing their gratitude for his commitment and the welcoming environment he has cultivated.
Whelley Sports and Community Ltd has become a crucial hub for the Whelley community, providing not just a space for sport but a place where people can reconnect, support one another, and enjoy social interactions. Mark Demings’ dedication has turned the club from a struggling venue into a thriving community centre that continues to grow in popularity and relevance.
Thanks to Mark Demings’ relentless dedication and vision, Whelley Sports and Community Ltd is now a vibrant, family-friendly hub, offering diverse sporting and social activities that bring the community together. His passion for creating an inclusive and welcoming space has reignited community spirit and provided a lifeline for many local residents.
