Southwark Community Sports Trust at Dulwich Sports Ground

We’re now a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO)

Dulwich Sports Ground and it's facilities is managed by a group of volunteers who set up the Southwark Community Sports Trust SCST and who are also representatives of local football, rugby and cricket clubs in the area and schools football organisations.
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We are pleased to announce that Southwark Community Sports Trust (SCST) is now a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) Registered Charity No. 1197935

The current Trustees are John Smith, John Thornton, Richard Barmford and Sean Keaton.
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Dulwich Sports Ground is located in the heart of Dulwich our 24 acre sports ground offers first class football, rugby and cricket facilities for daily, seasonal and corporate hire and we are just 20 minutes from the centre of London. 

The SCST has grown over thirteen years from an ad-hoc response to ground closure to a significant Community Interest Company and now an Incorporated charity (CIO).  Initially Founder member clubs were encouraged to provide funding and volunteers to start up the organisation.  As the Trust grew in scope and size, the need for volunteers to help manage our activities has grown. The management of the Trust is a 24/7 activity over the whole year. The SCST has become a significant provider of sports facilities in Dulwich and requires partner clubs to drive it forward.
 
The SCST was recognised as a charity in February 2022 as part of a strategy to grow and adapt. The object of the charity have been framed as:
“To promote for the benefit of the inhabitants of Southwark and the surrounding area the provision of facilities for recreation or other leisure time occupation of individuals who have need of such facilities by reason of their youth, age, infirmity or disablement, financial hardship or social and economic circumstances or for the public at large in the interests of social welfare and with the object of improving the condition of life of the said inhabitants.
 
The Trust is an organisation that does not have paid managers and depends upon volunteers. The trustees have created an operational board to manage the day to day running of the Trust. This is the key engine to develop our winter and summer  sports.  

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SCST OPERATIONAL BOARD

​​Support the Southwark Community Sports Trust: Enhancing Sports and Well-Being in the Heart of South London

The Southwark Community Sports Trust (SCST) was formed in 2011 and became a registered charity
in 2022. The SCST has always been dedicated to providing high-quality, affordable sports facilities for
the local community and the surrounding areas. By promoting physical activity, teamwork, and social
well-being, the SCST has become a vital part of the Southwark sporting community, contributing to
the overall health and development of individuals across all ages and backgrounds.

Our Mission and Vision

​SCST’s purpose is simple but powerful: to improve the quality of life for local residents by offering
safe, accessible, and inclusive sports and recreation opportunities. In addition to supporting local
residents, our facilities attract individuals and groups from across the city, drawing in players,
families, and sports enthusiasts from a wide area. We manage and operate the Dulwich Sports
Ground and the Hollies Sports Ground, providing facilities for cricket, football, rugby, and other
sporting and educational activities. These grounds, used by community clubs and local schools, help
promote physical fitness, teamwork, and community spirit.
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​Our Facilities and Achievements

• Sports Grounds: SCST manages 39 acres of sports grounds, including multiple pitches an training areas for football, rugby, and cricket. We provide facilities for local schools community groups, and amateur sports clubs.
• Football: In the past year alone, SCST hosted 605 football matches, averaging 21 matche per week, involving senior and junior clubs. Over 10,000 players, coaches, and spectator use our football grounds annually, including major clubs like Dulwich Village FC and South Bank Cuaco Football Club.
• Cricket: Our cricket facilities saw 479 matches in the summer, with both grass and artificia wickets being fully utilized. Dulwich Cricket Club (DCC), one of our key users, has one of th largest junior sections in Southern England, with over 700 juniors actively participating. I addition to this, we proudly support over 120 women who play cricket annually at th Dulwich Sports Ground. Clubs like Dulwich Cricket Club and Ploughmans Cricket Club ar some of our biggest users, keeping our facilities thriving throughout the cricket season.
• Rugby: Many rugby games are organized throughout the year, with King’s College Hospita RFC being a major user. We are committed to enhancing rugby participation and support in more local rugby teams in the future.

The impact of the Dulwich Sports Ground Facilities Upgrade and SCST' Contribution to the Community

The planned upgrades to our facilities will significantly enhance the lives of many community members and further strengthen the positive impact SCST already has on the local area. These improvements will benefit a wide range of individuals, including older adults, young people, women and girls, people with disabilities, those facing racial or ethnic inequities, and economically disadvantaged individuals.

Older Adults: We are delighted to see older adults actively participating in cricket and other sports. SCST’s inclusive approach embraces all age groups, fostering an environment where everyone can enjoy sports and community activities.

Young People: By improving the sports grounds, SCST will offer more opportunities for youth to engage in organized sports like football, rugby, and cricket, promoting discipline, teamwork, and physical fitness. The improved amenities will make the space more appealing for schools and youth clubs, helping to reduce youth crime and anti-social behavior through positive activities.

Women and Girls: The upgraded shower and toilet facilities will encourage more female participation in sports. We anticipate a measurable increase in women’s and girls; involvement in various sports activities, promoting gender equality and empowerment in the community.

Inclusivity and Diversity: SCST is committed to being an open and inclusive facility for everyone, regardless of race, religion, gender, or background, including both binary and non-binary identities. We welcome all members of our diverse community to use our facilities for various sports like cricket, football, rugby, and other activities. Should individuals or groups wish to engage in different outdoor activities, we encourage them to reach out to the Trust, and we will consider all requests based on availability.

People with Disabilities: The planned improvements to accessibility will make the sports ground a more inclusive environment for people with disabilities. Increased participation in adaptive sports and inclusive events will promote both physical and mental health, ensuring everyone has the chance to enjoy and benefit from our facilities.

Economically Disadvantaged Individuals: The upgraded facilities will offer affordable access to high-quality sports amenities for economically disadvantaged groups. By reducing barriers to participation, SCST will enable more people to enjoy the physical and social benefits of organized sports and activities.
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​SCST’s work goes beyond just sports. By creating safe, inclusive, and welcoming spaces, we foster community engagement, improve mental and physical well-being, and provide vital social opportunities for all groups in Southwark and beyond. Our commitment to inclusivity and accessibility ensures that everyone—regardless of age, background, or ability—can participate in sports, build connections, and enhance their quality of life.

​Join Us in Making a Difference

For specific, detailed information on sponsorship opportunities, please contact Rahul Nair at 07544262499 or via email at [email protected].

For more information or to discuss other sponsorship opportunities, please contact Rahul Nair by email or use our website contact page.

SCST Facilities at Dulwich Sports Ground

​Facilities available at Dulwich Sports Ground:

• 6 senior, 1 senior/intermediate, 3 junior 9v9, 2 mini (5 & 7 a side),
• 1 rugby pitch and floodlight training area
• 4 cricket squares, 5 artificial cricket strips, Junior Pitch, 3 lane outdoor cricket net, 
• a substantial pavilion with 13 changing rooms, (including 2 dedicated for female use) with shower facilities, a large main hall with veranda over looking the grounds 
• Licensed bar and catering operation. 

The facilities are Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) compliant.

The objectives of the Trust are:

• To promote participation in sport and in particular football, cricket and rugby for local male & female sports clubs, schools and youth associations.
• To provide and maintain high quality playing surfaces and facilities for use by members and the wider community.
• To ensure the facility is managed on a sound financial basis such that the long term security of the ground can be established.

Located in the heart of Dulwich our 24 acre sports ground offers first class football, rugby and cricket facilities just 20 minutes from the centre of London.

There are 9 football pitches, mini x 2 (7 a side), junior x 2, (9 a side)  and senior x 5, 1 rugby pitch, 4 cricket squares, 5 artificial cricket strips, 3 lane cricket net facilities, floodlit training area, a substantial pavilion with 13 changing rooms, (including 2 dedicated for female use) with shower facilities, a large main hall with verandah over looking the grounds and a licensed bar and catering operation.
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All our facilities are Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) compliant.

Dulwich Sports Ground History
The ground was formerly known as the London South Bank University Sports Ground.

The Southwark Community Sports Trust was created as a consequence of the former managers, London South Bank University, taking the decision to close the facilities in Sept 2010. The trust negotiated the assignment of the lease and the football pitches were brought back into use in January 2011 with cricket following in April that year.

An opening ceremony was held on 27th March 2011 presided over by the Rt Hon Tessa Jowell MP for the Dulwich & West Norwood constituency. (See Gallery)

SCST Organisation Southwark Community Sports Trust (SCST) is established as a Community Interest Company (C.I.C) and operates on a not for profit basis in order to provide sports facilities and promote participation in amateur sports for all ages and genders.
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For more information about any of the associated Sports Clubs see Links.

As a purely voluntary organisation we are always looking for further assistance thus if you wish to get involved please contact John Smith.

Sports Ground Stakeholders in addition the Trust works very closely with Southwark and Lambeth Councils, the local residents associations, the Dulwich Estate and the Friends of Belair Park.

The Trust is also a member of Friends of Surrey Cricket, is a Chance to Shine host ground and has forged strong links with Surrey Cricket Board, the Football Foundation and London FA, the RFU and Sport England.

.SPORTS BOOKINGS FOR 2019/20 NOW BEING ACCEPTED

Page Links:

• Home

 

• About The Trust

 

• Bookings

 

• News

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• Resources

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• Gallery

 

• Contact Us

Opening Times

Monday to Sunday: 
08:00-Dusk 
Including Bank Holidays 

Sports Played at DSG

• Athletics,
• Football (11 a side),
• Football (9 a side),
• Football (7 a side),
• Football (5 a side),
• Rugby,
• Juniour Cricket
• Cricket,
• Cricket nets
• Corporate Cricket

• Ultimate Frisbee

Facilities:

Bar/Cafe: Bar 
Surface: Grass 
Showers: Yes
Changing Rooms: Yes

Car Parking: Free Parking
Please note: Car park is closed Saturday and Sunday mornings.
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Equipment Rental: Yes
Membership Required: No
Pay as you Play: Yes
Disabled Access: Yes
First Aid Kit: Yes
Defibrillator: Yes 

Transport Links

Nearest Train stations:
West Dulwich, North Dulwich and Herne Hill

Buses:
3, N3, 201 and P13.

​Parking at the Sports Ground.
We estimate we can accommodate about 40 cars including the overflow parking area. 

Other Parking on Turney Road after the railway bridge and on Rosendale Road. It is less than a 5 minute walk.

There is also a public car park at Belair Park.
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