06/07/2026
This is a very good piece particularly when a vclub is going to run Come and Try Days.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18xU838fr4/
CROQUET TALK DISCUSSION SERIES
Part One – The Come and Try Day
Come and Try Days are a highlight for many croquet clubs. They showcase the welcoming spirit of the game, the dedication of volunteers, and the enjoyment that comes from introducing new people to croquet. These events are often well organised, friendly, and engaging, leaving visitors with a positive first impression.
But an important question arises:
Is the Come and Try Day the beginning of a new member’s journey… or is it the peak of their experience?
For many visitors, the day itself is enjoyable and supportive. They are guided through the basics, encouraged by experienced players, and given the chance to participate in a relaxed and social environment. It is easy to feel confident and included in this setting.
However, the experience can change significantly once someone becomes a member. Expectations shift. Instead of guided participation, new members may be expected to understand the rules, follow established routines, and integrate into club life with little or no structured support.
Consider someone like Jane. She attends a Come and Try Day, receives one-on-one guidance, and leaves feeling confident and welcomed. The following week she returns as a new member—only to find herself unsure where to go, who to play with, or how to become involved. The contrast between the two experiences can be confusing and discouraging.
This raises several important questions for clubs to consider:
* What happens after the Come and Try Day?
* How are new members introduced to regular play?
* Is there a clear pathway from beginner to confident participant?
* Do new members feel supported beyond their first visit?
* Are there systems in place to help them integrate and learn the game at their own pace?
These questions highlight a key distinction:
Recruitment and retention are not the same.
Recruitment may look good on paper.
Retention reveals the reality.
It is important to acknowledge the effort of the volunteers who organise and run Come and Try Days. Their work is essential and greatly appreciated. Reflecting on what happens after these events is not about criticism, but about strengthening the overall experience for new members.
If clubs focus only on attracting new players without supporting them beyond their first visit, they risk falling into a familiar cycle:
Promote. Recruit. Lose. Repeat.
Breaking this cycle requires attention not just to how people are introduced to croquet, but to how they are welcomed into the ongoing life of the club.
In Part Two, we’ll explore what happens after someone joins—and ask whether the experience of membership truly matches the promise of the Come and Try Day.
Part Two will be posted on Croquet Talk Clubhouse.
Where
“ The Conversation Continues”
© Stefan- Croquet Talk 2026
