Bringing back the fun: how to host a memorable School Sports Day themed Company Away Day 

Remember the days of School Sports Day? The sun shining, the sound of laughter filling the air and the thrill of competing in classic games like sack races and tug o’ war? Well, who says the fun has to end as an adult? Whether you’re planning a corporate team-building event or simply want to relive those nostalgic memories, hosting a School Sports Day company away day can be the perfect way to bring people together for a day of fun, laughter and friendly competition.

Choosing the Venue

The first step to hosting a successful School Sports Day away day is choosing the right venue. Fortunately, London offers a plethora of options, each with its own unique charm and amenities. Here are some of our favourite top picks:

1. Ham Polo Club: Ham Polo Club is the last remaining polo club in Greater London and is known for its charming grounds and Clubhouse. Founded in 1926, Ham has an established and distinguished reputation and with its sprawling grounds and picturesque setting, Ham Polo Club provides the perfect backdrop for a day of outdoor activities. From traditional sports like football and cricket to quirky games like space hopper races, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.  The Roof Gardens – with a 360 views of the entire ground of Ham Polo Club – is a great space for receptions, BBQs, team building activities and alfresco dining. The space is covered by a stretch marquee in the summer periods making the space usable come sunshine or rain, whilst The Club House is a unique space where grape vines grow within the ceiling of the dining area, bringing that sense of the outside inside and creating a ‘wow’ factor for  your guests.
2. Shoreditch Gardens: Nestled in the heart of East London, Shoreditch Gardens forms part of the £12 million refurbishment of the Museum of Home and offers a vibrant and urban setting for your School Sports Day. With plenty of green space for games and activities, as well as nearby amenities for post-event celebrations, it’s an ideal choice for teams looking for outside space in East London. With catering by Kerb, there’s also a huge range of cuisines available from the food trucks which brings a festival-like vibe to your event.
3. Roehampton Venues: Situated on the edge of Richmond Park, Roehampton Venues boasts beautiful surroundings and state-of-the-art facilities. Whether you’re interested in traditional sports or more adventurous activities like an assault course, this venue has everything you need to make your event a success. Set in glorious grounds this beautiful Grade II listed Georgian villa retains many original features and is an idea venue and versatile space for team away days. The area away from the house down by the lake also gives the option of large marquee or the main house may be used as a wet weather option. The Grove House Lawns and Terrace area offer fabulous lawns and paved areas whilst the Rose Garden patio area is perfect for BBQ cooking for you to enjoy afterwards.
4. Regents Events: Located in the heart of Regent’s Park, this historic university offers a stunning backdrop for your School Sports Day. With expansive lawns, wooded areas and access to sports facilities, it’s the perfect place to combine outdoor fun with team-building exercises. The spacious grassy area gives organisers the opportunity to set up outdoor games with ample space to accommodate up to 2,000 guests. Within the lush foliage-filled gardens there’s also an elegant marquee with lighting and sound system which is a great wet-weather option or for post-sports day partying, alternatively there are also a number of indoor spaces.
5. Twickenham Stadium: For larger groups or those looking to add a professional touch to their event, Twickenham Stadium provides an iconic setting for a School Sports Day. Home of England Rugby, there is no experience quite like walking through the Players Tunnel, where the England team line up on a match day, and out into the stadium bowl surrounded by 82,000 seats. Pitch-side is a great space for summer BBQs whilst the England changing rooms, pitch side and tunnel are perfect for sports day activities. With its world-class facilities and central location, it’s sure to impress participants and spectators alike.

Structuring the Day

Once you’ve chosen the perfect venue, it’s time to plan out the day’s activities. Here’s a suggested itinerary to help you make the most of your School Sports themed away day:

1. Warm-Up Activities: Start the day with some light stretching and warm-up exercises to get everyone loosened up and ready to compete.
2. Classic Games: Dive into the nostalgia with a series of classic School Sports Day games, including sack races, egg and spoon races, three-legged races and tug o’ war. Encourage friendly competition and award prizes for winners to add to the fun.
3. Specialty Activities: Spice things up with some specialty activities like giant space hopper races, hurdles and even an inflatable assault course. These larger-than-life games are sure to bring out the inner child in everyone and provide plenty of photo opportunities.
4. Break-Out Activities: Take a break from the action with some well-being activities like yoga or meditation sessions. Provide opportunities for teams to bond and relax together, fostering a sense of camaraderie and teamwork.
5. Team Presentations: Give teams the chance to showcase their creativity and collaboration skills with team presentations or performances. Whether it’s a skit, a song or a dance routine, encourage participants to let their imaginations run wild and have fun with it.
6. Party Time: Wrap up the day with a celebratory party complete with food, drinks and music. Whether you opt for a BBQ. a picnic or a catered dinner, use this time to unwind, socialise and reflect on the day’s activities.

Hosting a School Sports themed Away Day is a fantastic way to bring people together for a day of fun, laughter and friendly competition. With a variety of entertaining activities, beautiful venues, and opportunities for team bonding, it’s sure to be a memorable experience for all involved. So dust off those running shoes, gather your teammates, and get ready to relive those nostalgic memories in the best way possible!

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For more ideas, or for information about hosting away days and team-building events don’t hesitate to contact the Evolve Events team. We possess the experience and local knowledge to assist you with venue finding, activities and logistics to create unforgettable experiences.

TEL : 020 7610 2808 – EMAIL : anna@evolve-events.com