The Play in the Bay project is a community-led initiative dedicated to celebrating and preserving the rich sporting history of the Sandown Bay area. Launched with the support of local Olympians Carl Prean and Richard Jefferies, the project was made possible by a £10,000 Past Futures Grant — a key component of the Bay Place Plan.

Our mission is twofold: to archive the legendary stories of the Bay’s sporting past and to secure the future of local athletics. From the first-ever USA Golf Open winner, Horace Rawlins, to modern icons like FA Cup Final referee Lee Probert and broadcaster Dickie Davies, the Bay has a pedigree of excellence that deserves to be remembered.

Through a unique partnership involving local schools, sports organisations, and local media, we are working to inspire greater participation and ensure our local facilities in the Bay thrive for many years to come. Funded by the Bay Place Plan’s Past Futures Grant, Play in the Bay is a collaborative project celebrating the wealth of sporting provision across our region.

Our Partnership Goals:

Capture Heritage: Preserving the stories of national and international success stories from our area. Inspire Participation: Encouraging residents of all ages to get active. Future-Proofing: Partnering with schools and local groups to protect and improve our sporting facilities.