Using the ABC's "Active Ageing" Story To Recruit New Members

A practical guide for croquet clubs on using the popular ABC News article on active ageing as a strategic tool for member recruitment.

Using the ABC's "Active Ageing" Story To Recruit New Members
A recent article from ABC News, “Ageing well in regional Queensland with fitness and fun,” provides a useful framework for conversations with potential new members.
The story clearly articulates the main reasons people seek out new activities in retirement: the need for gentle exercise and the desire for social connection.
By referencing this independent and credible source, club committees can validate their own message and connect with what prospective members are already thinking about.
 
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This guide offers a way to leverage the ABC story as a practical recruitment tool. Here are three talking points your club can use to frame the conversation effectively.

1. Align with the Need for Gentle Fitness

The ABC story focuses on the demand for low-impact fitness, giving clubs a natural and credible starting point for conversation. When speaking with a potential member, you could say:
"You might have seen that recent ABC story on active ageing. It made a great point about people wanting activities that are effective but gentle on the body. That’s something croquet does very well, as it’s a walking game that improves balance and mobility."
 
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This approach positions your club as a direct solution to a recognised need. It's also supported by our own article on the official health benefits of croquet, which you can use as a further reference.

2. Emphasise the Strength of Community

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The importance of community is a central theme in the ABC story. This allows clubs to highlight one of their greatest strengths: the built-in social fabric that a regular class might not offer.

3. Introduce Croquet's Distinct Advantage

After aligning with the points in the ABC article, you can then introduce the element that makes croquet distinct: the strategic challenge.
This adds another layer of value to the conversation.
 
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An Actionable Strategy for Your Club

Here are three simple ways to put this ABC article to work:
  1. Share the ABC article on your club's Facebook page or in an email.
  1. Add a brief note connecting the story to your club, such as: "This is a great story from the ABC that highlights many of the benefits we offer here at [Your Club Name] Croquet Club."
  1. Print the article and display it on your club's notice board as a conversation starter for members and visitors.
Using this external reference point is an effective way to ground your recruitment efforts in a wider, credible conversation about wellbeing.
 

Join the Conversation in Our Club Hub

Continue this discussion and share your own recruitment experiences in our Club Hub community forum. It's where Queensland croquet clubs connect to share challenges, solutions and success stories.
📌 Club Hub Discussion: [Link to "Recruitment Strategies That Work" thread in Club Hub]
This members-only resource provides templates, examples and peer support to help your club implement these strategies effectively.