16/04/2026
https://www.facebook.com/share/1DMeV7811v/?mibextid=wwXIfr
They came… but they didn’t stay ?
I’ve spoken with many potential players over time—
people who were curious enough to come to a Come & Try Day…
but chose not to join and I have spoken to some who did join but left before their fee payment time had ended.
Not because croquet isn’t a great game.
Not because they couldn’t play.
But because of how it felt.
Some said it felt a little flat.
Some said it felt overly serious.
Some simply said… “it just wasn’t for me.”
And that’s the part worth thinking about.
Because croquet itself is anything but boring.
It’s tactical, social, skilful, and incredibly rewarding.
So when people walk away…
it’s rarely the game they’re leaving.
👉 It’s the experience.
And here’s the truth—
we don’t just lose potential new members that day…
we risk losing them for good.
The same applies to existing members too... yes that is right existing members!
Clubs don’t just need new players.
They need players who want to stay.
So the question is:
Are we showing the very best of what croquet can be…
or just hoping people will see it for themselves?
and are Committee members doing what they were elected to do? .... seriously?
💬 I’d genuinely love your thoughts—
What makes someone stay… and what quietly pushes them away?
(this image is one I have created and is used for image purpose only, it is not happening to this club, but is happening to a lot of Clubs in other areas and as part of the croquet community we have it within our power to stop it). What are Croquet Asscociations doing to help prevent it?
