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!

The ARC at Campbelltown is a community recreation centre offering a gymnasium, cafe, two swimming…read morepools for lessons, recreation and kids fun, a number of courts for many sports as well as conference facilities. A recent complete overhaul/rebuild has resulted in an impressive building, both inside and outside, with some common sense decor, lots of light and glass, and a feeling of space. The common areas have some very comfortable seating, kind of in shapes of jig saw pieces, which aren't bolted to the floor so you can move them together or apart depending on whom you're sitting with. Upstairs, with seating overlooking the courts, there are three sitting levels or rather three carpeted steps allowing for some comfortable and complete viewing. We came for the Murder City Roller Girls bout between the Dames and Valkyire. My kids have never seen roller derby and were rather confused but I like to expose them to a bit of everything and it was an enjoyable Sunday evening outing. Their foundation memberships start at just under $14 per week which also makes them great value and competitive with all gyms even though they offer so much more.

Not that I am biased or anything (I'm a soccer fanatic), but this is without a doubt one of the…read morebest purpose built soccer stadiums in Australia. The grass is immaculate, the seating is adequate for the crowd size, the facilities are up there and the atmosphere on game day is electric. Hindmarsh is the home of Adelaide United (my faithful team) and their devoted fans fill the stadium on home matches. Most seating is allocated by ticket number, with the red army cheersquad sitting behind the northern end goals. The food and bar facilities are fair good and reasonably priced, with a range of gourmet options available behind the east stand. I have played here a couple of times in cup finals with my team, and it is such an honor and feels so special. Definitely recommend anyone who wants to catch some soccer, visit hindmarsh on a Friday night home game during summer.

No matter how many injuries this sport has caused me, I still love my soccer and these days I am…read moremore than happy to sit down and watch a game rather than play it (a broken arm was the last straw). As most people already know, Hindmarsh Stadium is an Olympic standard venue that remains home to Adelaide United. It's also an enjoyable locus for spectators to utilise whilst sitting alongside patriotic members. The regulars do their best to create a Football scene more commonly found overseas, however there is only so much they can/are allowed to do. Having said this, the occasional flare will be successfully unleashed. Go you Reds! I'm not actually that vocal when it comes to games, nor am I overly patriotic, however I do appreciate the enthusiasm evident in a vocal crowd. Hindmarsh Stadium also has big screens, a decent grand stand, suave member areas, merchandise tents, and an efficient canteen. I have good memories here stemming all the way back from High School. Back then I was usually found roaming the stadium with friends during half time, thus probably more concerned about boys than the game itself (girls will be girls). In my later years however, I definitely found greater appreciation for the games themselves rather than the boys. Lastly it does often get cold here, and so I would suggest rugging up for a chilly evening. Also make sure you don't mind a long walk back to the car and get your tickets early. You don't want to miss out!

Relaxed affordable gym with excellent opening hours and great classes. Hoping that it doesn't close…read morein Feb-petition's signed!

In principle Life be In It is a great initiative, not only does it promote exercise and good health…read moreto masses of youth, however it also provides them with the opportunity to play a sport at a recreational to competitive level, and only with moderate fees. I decided to play indoor soccer as part of the Life Be In It program and really do think that people need to consider the risk of injury before they start playing. I had been playing outdoor soccer quite competitively for years, and aside from a twisted ankle I received zero injuries. I also do not recall too many serious injuries among other players across the board. However after just two games of playing indoor soccer, I got tackled form behind (a big no-no in soccer) by an inexperienced player, which resulted in 4 days in hospital and a broken arm. Not only that but the ambulance paramedic at the time mentioned that she broke her leg playing indoor netball at the same premises, and another teammate ended up breaking her foot some games later.... the list of injuries continue. The sports centre itself is fine, and I used to go to Unley High School where PE was actually my favourite subject. I just think that the risk of injury needs to be pointed out. Breaking bones is not fun, and you will not be covered by Life Be In It if God forbid an injury does occur. Other than that, my boyfriend still plays and he seems to enjoy it. Additionally for those still interested, indoor soccer games alternate between Emmanuel College and Unley High School with the main information desk situated at the latter.

About time SA had an Olympic sized pool! The impressive and unusual structure from the outside is…read morejust as great on the inside with an airy, spacious, clean and still with a whiff of newness environment. The complex contains many areas such as a health club, creche, shop, etc and the pool itself runs various programs and activities to suit all ages. If this is your thing and you enjoy keeping fit plus live close by then membership is probably the way to go and save some money. Families can join also but be aware the water slides are not included and will cost two dollars to go on each time, so this is one part which will add up quickly! Otherwise, the casual entry fee is reasonable for a brand new complex and if you won't be an active participant there is a $2.50 spectator entry fee. All in all a great complex operated by the YMCA. P.S Despite it being new and all, it is not immune to renegade bandaids, so if you're a bit squeamish best to wear thongs!

This is the very definition of a swimming centre, far above a simple community pool…read more It consists of multiple areas with multiple pools. Suitable for families, classes, individuals. As an indoor heated pool no time of year can you use the excuse it's 'too cold'. Slides and playgrounds are targets for children and young families, and there are slow and medium lap lanes for those wanting gentle fitness. There are also dive pools though they were not dared by the cowardly reviewer. The cafe at the front serve a selection if foods more than suitable for lunch at competitive prices, though the coffee is not something I'd get a second time. Plenty of yellow shirted lifesavers patrol giving you a sense that they take your safety seriously.