I've been playing soccer since I was 8 and for Metro since I was 14. I have played my up from under…read more15s to Division 1 in those 8 years and have enjoyed my time there immensly. Since splitting from Metro Stars in 2005, the women have made a strong name for themselves, establishing their own club. At one point there were 7 teams, from under 11s to Premier League, but there are normally 4 or 5 teams per year. We have had success at every level, with many players winning leagues and playing at Hindmarsh Stadium in Cup Final's. The atmosphere is amazing and the people who run the club and so friendly and dedicated. The committee is made up of around 10-12 male and females who have been with the club since the split from the men's or a newbies with kids in the juniors. Game day and trainings are always great with heaps supporters, bbqs, games, raffles and fundraisers throughout the year. If you have a girl or are one interested in soccer in the North East, definitely go along to Metro to try it out and meet everyone.

Home of the Mighty Seagulls, and yet another on the laundry list of my old clubs. The Somerton…read moreBowling Club has been a consistent member of the top division in the state for many years now and was in fact the last all male club in the state! A lot has changed down at Gull land over the past 10 years, with not only the advent of lady members (wow), but also radical changes to the club room. Somerton BC is now more of a function centre than a Bowling Club. The central hall is very large, with a very servicable full bar at one end and catering facilities at the other. It is argued by many in the game, that the club has lost its 'club' feeling. I do tend to agree with this, but I have always maintained that a club is its members, and not just the bricks and mortar. Somerton is gifted with some of the nicest bloke in the bowls world. They also have a HUGELY successful night owls program, arguably the best in the state. They run both Tuesday and Thursday nights, and are near to full capacity for each. If you do pop in to the club don't forget to check the 2000-2001 premiership photo in the hallway.....you may see a slightly younger (and thinner) yelper floating around!

So, as my friends and I (being new to bowls) visit all the different bowling clubs to find our…read morefavourites, we hear the name Somerton Bowling Club spoken in whispers. No, not really. I'm being dramatic. But the name's certainly cropped up once or twice. We'd heard good things, learned the club had undergone lots of changes. We were keen to see what all the fuss was about. And to the club's credit, I can say it's great. The lawns are in good condition, the indoor's in even BETTER condition. As usual, you'll meet the friendliest people in the world here. But it's too busy. The Night Owl tournaments are more packed here by half than any of the other clubs I've been to. This might not be such a problem for some, but I tend to hate crowds. And I'm a self-conscious bowler. All those eyes on me inspire the nerves like nothing else.

This is the newest and probably the best soccer facility in SA. It is a little further out of the…read morecity, but is located in the ever growing Northern suburbs with plenty of men's and women's soccer clubs around. There's 3 pitches here of great quality, 5 change rooms, a grandstand, dugouts, food facilities, great night lighting,heaps of parking and a function centre. I've played on here with my team in a semi final and the experience was great, it compares to playing on the Metro Stars, Blue Eagles, Para Hills East men's pitches, even Hindmarsh (all of which I've played on). The crowd can all see from the stands and it provides a good atmosphere for the game.

When the Romans were the dominant force on the planet, the strongest and most manly amoung them…read morebattled in the gladitorial ring of the Coleseum. Today men equal to those of yore battle for supremacy at MARS and long shall they be remembered in the pages of history. I play Basketball and Mixed Netball at MARS Sporting Complex in Marden. What makes this a good venue? Well firstly it is pretty close to where I live, which shortens the stank that seeps into the car seats. The three wooden floored courts are sprung and there is plenty of space to the sides of all courts, which can be a problem at some venue's (walls leave big bruises). The other thing that I like is the umpires, in particular the head netball umpire who is a champ. I think a place where the umpires take the time to get to know you is one you should keep going back to, as I have been for 15 years! One big negative is that when it is hot outside it is STUPIDLY hot inside! The aircon only encompasses the front canteen and upstairs Gym, and the 5 or 6 fans just don't cut the mustard. As mentioned, other than the three courts there is also a full gym (with classes etc) and an indoor rock climbing wall. The canteen/bar does not serve alcohol (it used to) which is a right bummer! Also keep in mind that parking can be tight on the occasions that the neighbouring soccer club has training as they choose to park in the gym parking rather than their own. P.S. the times listed are office hours, but the social games start as late as 10:30 on some evenings.

A multi-faceted sports activity/leisure facility. I've been playing ball here for years…read more It gets too hot in summer and too cold in winter but these are great excuses to forget the weather and just run around. The gym upstairs, although I've never been a member, is 24 hours and accessible from its own entrance way on the side of the building. Admittedly, sometimes the staff could use a little more training in hospitality/customer service, but it's not really a place you go to get ultra high service. There are plenty of drinks and bites to eat at the kiosk, the guys running the comps always get the schedules up online in time but sometimes they get it a little wrong (they do take over the phone enquiries). If you've got a few mates that wanna chuck the ball round on a weeknight/weekend, and at least one of you can organise you all to show up each week, get in and give Mars a go. It's a sweaty fun time!

There's some fun to be had here! There may not be a whole lot of equipment but it sure is original…read more Complete with tree house, this playground suits the younger children. This is somewhat of a toddler park with a difference. It's completely bark chip but what I love about this place is that there's a lot of different equipment that can help develop the skills of the little ones. It also has a BBQ, sheltered table/chair and drinking fountain. I could see toilets in the immediate vicinity but seeing as this is part of a bigger picture (that of Kensington Oval) there would be some somewhere. *Dogs allowed (not in playground area)* *BBQ* *Sheltered table/chair* *Drinking fountain*

The GBC is my second home when it comes to Lawn Bowls. The current Premier League champions and my…read moreold club, the home of the Dolphins is one of the highest regarded Lawn Bowling Clubs going around. There are many reasons why this club is brilliant and first on the list is the Greens. They are quite simply the best in the state, and the Keeper has had them that way for quite some time now! The club is only two streets from the beach and has a large central hall, perfect for medium to large functions and hosts a very successful Night Owls competition on Thursday nights. The only thing that tops the greens are the people at Grange. Always happy and looking for a mate to have a roll and a drink with, they are available to help new players and will greet any 'newbie' off the street with a smile and probably a schooner. Parking is pretty easy most of the time with plenty of street spaces available. If that is a bit on the busy side head to the far end of the club and there is a some on site parking at the back.

I have a friend who has just starting playing for the Dolphins at the Grange Bowling Club, and he…read moreabsolutely loves it there. He claims that the ground is great, the club is great, the people are great, and that he as a bowler is great because of it. I don't mind watching him play at Grange, because I can either sit in with the 'crowd' in the shade, or I can park my car in a good spot and watch from there, which I like. Because, to be honest, I kind of need my music whilst watching people play lawn bowls. No offence! The men here are always welcoming new people to have a bowl with them, and they have welcomed my friend with open arms. Also, it's a really good venue that I'm pretty sure you're able to hire as well, which is good. If there is anything that "Crackerjack" has taught us is that lawn bowls clubs are fantastic for beer.

The Dressage Avenue playground is a nice spot during some of the sunnier months of the year. There…read moreis a decent sized playground, lots of nice grass area to kick a ball around or go a nice stroll, sufficient shade and a nice tennis court. A creek runs through the park area and the area also attracts a lot of geese, however the destination is definitely family friendly. The playground should keep young children entertained for quite a while. Most of the equipment is well maintained and while there is some variety in the play equipment, more variety would probably make it more interesting - there is certainly potential space for expansion. One thing that I do find a bit of an issue is the fact that the playground is within close proximity to Pimpala Road. This means that it is probably worthwhile keeping an eye on young children in the park area.

This was a really nice place to be. There were a couple of geese nibbling at the slightly overgrown…read moregrass. There were shaded bench seats with enough room in between to put a table. It had by far the most attractive drinking fountain of the area (believe me, when you've seen as many playgrounds as I have since reviewing them, you appreciate the little things, like life saving water). What also had was rather average play equipment. I'm sure the younger children won't mind, but the older children may find it a bit ho-hum after a while. In terms of a general area, the tennis courts right next to the play ground was a nice set up. On the other side of the tennis courts is a larger shaded area with what looked like a BBQ and tables and seats; I wasn't going to intrude on the people using the space to find out exactly what was in it. *No Dogs* *Shaded seating* *Most awesomest drinking fountain for the area *

This hidden away playground is the last of the playgrounds in this area before you get to Marino…read more It's a lovely little neighbourhood playground set up in three different sections all within the one strip of land. There are swings and two playground 'forts'. The whole area is fenced with the wooden bollards you can see in the photos. Generally, it's a great little playground that would suit most age groups. For those with younger children, you may need to walk between the different sections because they won't be able to use all of the equipment. For those with older children, there's a lovely new table/chair under a tree where you can sit back and watch the frivolity (if you're not in the playing mood, that is!!). Quite a nice little area. This isn't a destination playground, but for someone living close by, it sure could be. *Dogs allowed (you MUST pick up after them!)* *No drinking fountain* *table/chair under tree*

This is an odd little reserve/playground, but welcome! Around Marino and Seacliff there are…read moreplenty of flashy playgrounds that are always PACKED - lots of people having picnics and BBQs, lots of kids running around. Here, it is blissfully quiet and calm, and you can sit and watch lots of birds while your kiddies are playing on the equipment. We sat at the only table at the reserve - shame there aren't more! But there are 3 playground areas, so my partner's 5 year old was quite happy playing on the range of equipment. It's not fancy, but it's a basic playground. Being so close to home, we would definitely come here again. It would get an extra star if there was extra seating ;)