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Article #173: Sports in Blackpool

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Whether you're the sporty type who loves Meanwhile, for a casual kick-about with a
to compete or are more of a spectator who few friends, Blackpool boasts more than
enjoys the vicarious thrill of watching 80 public parks that are perfect for just
competition, Blackpool has a lot to offer such an occasion.
you. One of the best parks is Stanley Park,
Blackpool has many sports centres that one of the most beautiful parks in
promote sports like football, darts, Blackpool which stretches to over 256
cricket or badminton as well as a few acres of scenic parkland. Not only does
football pitches, junior teams and a it have lots of space for football, it
Coca-Cola League Division side. also has its own cafe where players can
The Blackpool Sports Centre on West Drive grab a quick drink to freshen up.
is one of the town's most popular sports Anyone can see that the spirit of sport
venues. It provides facilities for is alive and well in Blackpool every time
football, volleyball, basketball, the city's professional football team,
badminton, indoor hockey, wall climbing, the Blackpool FC aka the Tangerines,
martial arts and netball. compete, with throngs of boisterous fans
Blackpool has two public swimming pools coming out to cheer them on.
for those who prefer to do their The Tangerines were formed in 1887 but
exercising in the water. These are the did not get to play in the football
Lido Pool on Lytham Road and the Moor league until 1903. They toiled in the
Park Swimming Pool on Bristol Avenue. On second division for many years, during
the other hand, if it's a weekend and you which time the club was often saddled by
have the kids in tow, perhaps the venue debts while only a few loyal supporters
of choice for water fun is the Sandcastle cheered them on.
Waterworld on the Promenade. It has a Blackpool FC finally got its big break in
number of popular water slides and a wave 1929-30 when it was promoted to Division
pool. One as champions. However, they would
With an eight-rink bowling stadium, the only stay there for three brief seasons
Blackpool Borough Indoor Bowls Centre on before falling back to the second
Larkhill Street is the ideal venue for division. Their next breakthrough would
crown green bowling, whether it's for come in 1936-37 when they would once
competitive team matches or laid-back again climb up to Division One. This
family fun. time, they would remain among the top
If golf is your game, Blackpool has a tier teams for the next 25 years.
number of top-flight golf clubs that are After World War II, Blackpool FC would
certain to capture your fancy. The two sign sensational striker Stanley
most popular ones are the North Shore Matthews, nicknamed The Wizard of the
Golf Club and the Fleetwood Golf Club, Dribble for his skill at soccer, and he
both 18-hole 71 par courses. Casual would lead them to great prosperity and
golfers will enjoy the 18-hole Stanley success. The number of Blackpool FC
Park Golf Course. supporters ballooned during this time.
Blackpool also has its own elite cricket Blackpool FC would reach the pinnacle of
team that competes in the Northern their success in 1953 when they won the
Premier League against the likes of FA Cup final at Wembley via a 4-3 victory
Fleetwood, Barrow and Lancaster. That's over Bolton Wanderers. What made the win
the Blackpool Cricket Club which is based even more thrilling is that the
at Stanley Park. Tangerines had to climb back from 0-2
Darts is also a major sport in Blackpool, down to win the cup. Since then, that
especially since the town hosts the game has been immortalized as the
prestigious Stan James World Matchplay "Matthews Final" in honor of Stanley
Darts Championship every year. Held Matthews' role in the match.
traditionally at the Empress Ballroom in With Matthews as the Tangerines' driving
the Winter Gardens, the competition force, Blackpool FC became of the most
brings together the 32 top professional popular teams in the league, both for
dart players in the world who vie for home and away games. In fact, for three
over £100,000 in prize money. The Stan seasons - 1950-51, 1954-55 and 1955-56 -
James World Matchplay Darts Championship the Tangerines were the most popular
draws in huge crowds to the Empress visiting team in the UK. About 40,000
Ballroom and is televised live to fans on average watched their games
countless people worldwide via satellite. during that time.
Of course, one of the most popular games Unfortunately, in 1966-67, Blackpool was
in town is football. The Blackpool Sports relegated back to Division Two and the
Centre is a favourite venue for friendly period that followed has been marked by
five-a-side games. The venue has a sports highs and lows. The team now plays in the
arena and an all-weather outdoor pitch. Coca Cola League Division One.






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