One bench, One match, a whole new ball game.....
New initiative set to tackle loneliness through football
A new initiative to bring people together through the power of football, connection, and shared experience is set to launch in Sheffield later this month.
One Bench, One Match – A Whole New Ball Game is delivered by Speakeasy Club in partnership with the Sheffield Wednesday FC Community Programme and the Campaign to End Loneliness at Sheffield Hallam University.
The project creates a safe, welcoming space for anyone who loves football but doesn’t always have someone to go with. One Bench, One Match brings together like-minded fans with similar experiences, including those who feel lonely, have lost a loved one, are new to the area or suffer from social anxiety.
The first official meet-up will be held from 11 am to 12:30 pm on Saturday, 31 January, at Hillsborough Stadium as Sheffield Wednesday face Wrexham in the Championship. The ‘bench’, which is permanently situated outside the club shop, will be the meeting point for the event. Anyone can sign up on the Speakeasy website, and all participants will receive a complimentary match ticket and a small souvenir of the day. 
Loneliness is rising in every age group, and the winter period and post-Christmas blues can heighten loneliness for many. Intergenerational relationships help to strengthen belonging, empathy, mental health and trust. Football is an ideal place to foster relationships across all ages.
The Campaign to End Loneliness has consistently highlighted loneliness as a public health issue with links to heart disease, dementia, depression and early mortality.
The Campaign to End Loneliness was established in 2011 to ensure that people most at risk of chronic loneliness are supported by organisations, services and policy. It moved to Sheffield Hallam University in 2024 to sit alongside the Centre for Loneliness Studies, which carries out world-leading research on loneliness.
Professor Andrea Wigfield, Director of the Centre for Loneliness Studies and the Campaign to End Loneliness, said: “We are proud and pleased to join forces with Speakeasy Club and Sheffield Wednesday Football Club to launch this new initiative, ‘one bench, one match’. We know from our research how devastating loneliness can be for both our mental and physical health. Football is a great opportunity to bring people together, forge social connections and a sense of belonging. The shared interest in your club, the communal chanting, the sharing of the club’s colours all help to foster a community spirit which means that you can attend a match alone without knowing anyone and yet not feel alone.”
Speakeasy Club is a not-for-profit organisation established in 2022, with a mission to use the power of sport to save lives by empowering, educating, and supporting individuals before they reach a point of crisis.
Simon Clarke, Founder of Speakeasy Club, said: “One Bench, One Match, A Whole New Ball Game is about working together to create simple, welcoming spaces where conversations can start naturally. Football has an incredible power to bring people together, and by partnering with the Campaign to End Loneliness and the Sheffield Wednesday Community Programme, we’re using that shared love of the game to help people connect — reminding them that they’re not on their own and having a good laugh in the process.”
Sean Graves, Health Manager, Sheffield Wednesday Community Programme, said: “It’s great to be a part of this programme and hoping we can really make a change in the community and tackle mental health issues and loneliness.”
If you'd like to understand a bit more about the project, feel free to contact Simon Clarke on simon@speakeasyclub.co.uk
The initiative is supported by the Postcode Lottery Trust, LENSGO Visual Media, Goose Creative, and the Campaign to End Loneliness.
Meet you at the bench....
Speakeasy Club Awarded £45,561, Thanks to the Incredible Players of the Postcode Lottery
Speakeasy Club Awarded Game Changing £45,561, Thanks to the Incredible Players of the Postcode Lottery
Speakeasy Club is beyond delighted to announce it has been awarded £45,561 over the next two years, made possible entirely by the brilliant players of the Postcode Lottery. This transformational funding will significantly strengthen our mission to ensure no one feels alone when it comes to their mental health. We are eternally grateful to every single player whose contribution has made this possible.
This support arrives at a time when demand for Speakeasy Club’s work is accelerating far beyond available resources — and it will provide vital stability as we expand, professionalise, and deepen our impact across communities.
Strengthening Foundations During Rapid Growth
Speakeasy Club’s flagship initiative, the Speakeasy Bench, launched with a goal of 10 benches. In the first year alone, 21 benches were installed. Two years on, that number has now grown to 61, with each bench or barrel placed in a sports venue, café, workplace, or community hub, linking people to free mental health resources through a simple QR code — sparking curiosity and conversations that save lives.
This growth reflects the need, but has created significant pressure without core funding. The £45,561 grant from the Postcode Community Trust Wales and players of the Postcode Lottery allows Speakeasy Club to strengthen its foundations, scale responsibly, and meet demand sustainably.
Founder Simon Clarke said:
“This funding doesn’t just help us grow — it gives us foundations. The players of the Postcode Lottery are helping us build a future where no one has to struggle alone, and we are eternally grateful. Without them, we simply couldn’t reach as many people as quickly or as safely as we need to. To think about where Soeakeasy all began, and the people who have selflessly helped us along the way, it’s incredibly overwhelming to have been awarded such funding, but this support and encouragement mean the world and allow us to take the much-needed next step on our journey. Want to find out more? We’ll meet you at the bench ”
The grant lands as Speakeasy Club CIC looks to strengthen its organisational governance and expand its board from four to eight members following a skills-based review. Alongside a new reserves policy — crucial for long-term sustainability — these activities will be finalised by Spring.
A Catalyst for Greater Reach, Better Evidence, and Systemic Change
Thanks to the players of the Postcode Lottery, Speakeasy Club will now:
- Increase its reach, placing more benches and mental health touchpoints in community and professional sports venues. Working with world-renowned organisations such as Gilbert Rugby and more.
- Collaborate with higher education institutions to produce evidence-based reports that will change the game in mental health, proving why community sports venues are essential to wellbeing.
- Expand impact measurement, ensuring activity is backed by strong data and supported by a sustainable strategy.
- Continue developing digital tools, including the forthcoming “Pal in Your Pocket” mental health support app.
- Drive forward sector-leading campaigns,such as ‘8’ For a Mate, a major men’s mental health initiative planned for May 2026.
This funding empowers Speakeasy Club to move from fast-growing grassroots impact to a more resilient, research-led, and influential community mental health organisation.
Real, Measurable Impact
Speakeasy Club’s work has already led to powerful change:
- 61 benches and barrels installed
- 1,310+ QR code scans to online mental health resources
- 3,240+ people engaged through events and campaigns
- £23,000+ raised for community clubs
- 1,400+ podcast listens
- And at least one life saved — that we know of
The new Postcode Lottery funding will accelerate this impact, ensuring more conversations happen, more connections are made, and more people receive support at the moment they need it most.
The one aspect Speakeasy Club requires more than anything is time. Whilst this funding won’t solve this key problem entirely, it will go a long way to helping it.
A Movement Built on Connection, Curiosity, and Community
Speakeasy Club’s mission is to make talking about mental health a normal, everyday part of life — especially for men and the communities around them. Founder Simon Clarke brings lived experience and 25 years in community sport; ambassadors like Joe Ledley, Dai Flanagan, Shaun Edwards, and Gwen Crabb help reach audiences who may not otherwise hear messages around mental health and the power of being part of something.
With the support of the players of the Postcode Lottery, this movement is now stronger, more sustainable, and ready to reach even more people.
Speakeasy Club Receives £10,000 Boost from Barbarians FC Charitable Trust to Support Men’s Mental Health
Penarth-Based Speakeasy Club Receives £10,000 Boost from Barbarians FC Charitable Trust to Support Men’s Mental Health
Speakeasy Club, a community initiative born in Penarth to tackle Men’s mental health through the power of sport and conversation, has been awarded a £10,000 grant from the Barbarians FC Charitable Trust. The funding will help expand Speakeasy. The club’s growing network of projects is designed to get men talking, connecting, and supporting one another — on and off the pitch.
Interested in supporting our mission and getting a Speakeasy Club Pack for your club, thanks to our partnership with Gilbert Rugby? Get in touch today!
The Barbarians FC Charitable Trust, which supports causes that reflect the club’s inclusive and community-driven values, recognised Speakeasy Club’s unique approach to addressing deeply concerning issues. According to the latest ONS data (August 2024), the UK recorded the highest male suicide rate since 1999, with Wales reporting 14.0 deaths per 100,000 people — higher than both 2022 and England. Men aged 45–49 remain the most at-risk group, the same age group most active in community rugby.
Founded in Penarth, South Wales — a town with a long and storied connection to the Barbarians — Speakeasy Club began as a simple idea: to create spaces where men could talk more easily about life’s challenges. From those beginnings, it has grown into a national movement that uses sport, shared experience, and curiosity to spark open conversations around mental health.
Through initiatives like the Speakeasy Benches — now installed at sports clubs, cafés, and community spaces across Wales and beyond — men can access free online resources and support at the scan of a QR code. The Club’s podcasts, walking challenges, and ambassador Partnerships with leading sports figures have also helped normalise conversations around wellbeing.
The £10,000 grant from the Barbarians FC Charitable Trust will be used to support four key areas of work:
● Legacy & Accessibility: Installation of the iconic pink Speakeasy Benches with Barbarians club colours on the seats, each featuring a QR code linking to free online mental health resources.
● Storytelling & Connection: Sharing the story of the Barbarians' Benches and celebrating the link between community clubs and former Barbarians players.
● Legacy & Visibility: Production of Gilbert rugby balls & Speakeasy club packs featuring Speakeasy Club QR codes, to be used in training or displayed in clubhouses as daily reminders to talk, listen, and look after one another.
● Education: Delivery of educational workshops, equipping local players and coaches with tools to #lookaftertheboys through rugby.
The rollout of the Speakeasy Club balls and club packs will be delivered in partnership with world-leading rugby brand Gilbert, a company with a long-standing relationship with the
Barbarians. The collaboration brings together three organisations united by shared values — connection, community, and care for the game and its people.
“We’re incredibly proud to receive this support from the Barbarians FC Charitable Trust,” said Simon Clarke, founder of Speakeasy Club. “The Barbarians’ connection to Penarth runs deep, and this partnership feels like a homecoming. Together with the Barbarians and Gilbert, we’re backing the men who might look strong on the outside but are silently struggling on the inside.”
A spokesperson for the Barbarians Rugby Charitable Trust added: “We are proud to be supporting Speakeasy Club and the great work they do. Barbarians F.C. is supported across the world on the field, and, since its inception in 2004, the Barbarians Rugby Charitable Trust has been repaying that support by supporting worthwhile causes across the world — and we are delighted to be continuing to do that.”
As a Penarth-based company, we're incredibly excited to be working with such a historic club. The Barbarians have a proud history with Penarth, first touring there in 1901 and playing 75 matches in the town between 1901 and 1986 — a connection that continues to inspire us today. Through our unique Speakeasy Club Packs, including QR-code conversation tools, tackle bags, shields, and training bibs, we are helping clubs embed connection and mental well-being into every session.
Do you have a story connected to the Barbarians that you'd like to share? Does your club have Barbarians who once played there? Let us know!
We're delighted to be donating our unique packs to Old Penarthians RFC, Old Penarthians Mini & Juniors, Penarth RFC, Nantyglo RFC and RTB Ebbw Vale RFC.
Interested in supporting our mission and getting a Speakeasy Club Pack for your club, thanks to our partnership with Gilbert Rugby? Get in touch today!
For Speakeasy Club, this partnership is a powerful reminder that while sport brings people together on the field, it can also save lives off it.
ENDS
Media Enquiries:
Simon Clarke
Founder
Speakeasy Club
????simon@speakeasyclub.co.uk
???? www.speakeasyclub.co.uk
About Speakeasy Club
Speakeasy Club is a community initiative founded in Penarth, South Wales, using sport and
conversation to tackle men’s mental health. Its Speakeasy Benches, podcasts, and grassroots
projects are designed to get men talking and connecting. Each bench links directly to free online
support resources via QR code, and its work champions the message that being different — and
open — is cool.
About Barbarians FC Charitable Trust
Founded in 2004, the Barbarians FC Charitable Trust supports causes worldwide that reflect the
inclusive, community values of the Barbarians — a club famous for its sportsmanship,
friendship, and joy in rugby.
About Gilbert Rugby
Gilbert Rugby is a world-leading rugby brand with a heritage dating back to 1823. Proud
partners of the Barbarians, Gilbert shares Speakeasy Club’s belief that rugby has the power to
build connection, belonging, and well-being.
Walking for Connection: Bench-to-Bench Walk – The Golf One - 21st September 2025
Using Golf as a Positive Force for Change
On Sunday 21st September 2025, Speakeasy Club will partner with Zach Gould Golf, with support from Wales Golf, for a very special 40-mile “Bench-to-Bench Walk”. The route begins at the world-famous Celtic Manor Resort and ends at the historic Glamorganshire Golf Club – the birthplace of the Stableford scoring system.
The walk will pass through five golf clubs and five Speakeasy Benches, celebrating the power of golf to bring people together, build community, and support better mental health.
Each Speakeasy Bench carries a simple but powerful message: You’re Not On Your Own. Every bench also features a QR code linking to free online resources, offering immediate help to anyone who may be struggling.
Golf as a Catalyst for Connection
For many, golf is about much more than the scorecard – it’s about friendship, belonging, and being part of something bigger. That message is felt strongly by Ria Burriage-Male, a new member at Pontypridd Golf Club, one of the stops along the route.
“I used to enjoy playing golf with my family when I was younger. Recently I returned to Pontypridd GC and it’s been a game-changer. I love the competition, I love the camaraderie and I love the fact I can go out and play a few holes on my own. Enjoying the fresh air, green spaces, and the freedom it brings has been huge for my mental health.” – Ria Burriage-Male
Walking for Better Mental Health
Since the very first Bench-to-Bench Walk in September 2024, over 50 walkers have collectively covered more than 1,000 miles to raise awareness and funds.
For Speakeasy founder Simon Clarke, this September’s walk holds special meaning:
“We’ve already walked over a thousand miles between 37 sports clubs and 32 of our benches, but this one is special. It finishes at Glamorganshire Golf Club – where I grew up playing, and the only club I’ve ever wanted to be part of. Golf has given me so much on and off the course, and these benches are about giving something back – building communities, providing free resources, and showing people they’re not on their own.” – Simon Clarke, Speakeasy Founder
Building the Future Together
Funds raised from the walk will go directly into expanding Speakeasy’s work – building more benches, providing free mental health resources, and supporting new-to-golf programmes that give more people the chance to experience the game’s benefits first-hand.
Theo Baker, Head of Participation and Club Governance at Wales Golf, said:
“Wales Golf is proud to support the Bench-to-Bench Walk, highlighting the role golf can play in building connection, community, and positive mental health. Together we can make a lasting impact, both on and off the course. It’s important that there is a legacy to challenges like this, and we’re looking forward to working with Simon and the Speakeasy team to expand this support across Wales.”
Zach Gould, former Junior Ryder Cup player and now one of golf’s leading health and fitness experts, added:
“Golf has been such a big part of my life – from the highs of representing Europe in the Junior Ryder Cup to now helping golfers improve their health and fitness. But what matters most is how the game brings people together. The Speakeasy Bench-to-Bench Walk is an incredible way of showing that golf is about more than sport – it’s about connection, wellbeing, and supporting each other on and off the course.” – Zach Gould
???? “On and off the course, golf has the power to change lives.” – Zach Gould
Simon Clarke concluded:
“With over 20 years’ experience in the sport and leisure sector, we know the financial pressures clubs and governing bodies face. Everything we do is designed to relieve that pressure. Sport has the power to connect people in ways health and social services can’t always reach. By working with Wales Golf, we want to roll out more benches across clubs, support new-to-golf initiatives, and make mental health a natural part of the game.”
Event Details
- Date: Sunday 21st September 2025
- Route: Celtic Manor Resort → Newport Golf Club → Pontypridd Golf Club → Radyr Golf Club → Glamorganshire Golf Club
- Distance: Approx. 40 miles
- Cause: Raising funds for Speakeasy benches, mental health resources, and community programmes
Wales Golf - www.walesgolf.org
Zach Gould Golf - www.zachgouldgolf.co.uk
Speakeasy Club CIC - www.speakeasyclub.co.uk
World Mental Health Day 2024 - We've smashed our target!
We mark World Mental Health Day by smashing our 1st-year target with 25 pink Speakeasy Benches
In celebration of World Mental Health Day, the Speakeasy Club proudly announces a significant milestone in their mental health initiative. Launched on October 9th, 2024, the Speakeasy Bench project initially aimed to place 10 benches in communities by October 10th. Surpassing expectations, the initiative now boasts 25 benches across South and West Wales, the Valleys, and Sheffield, all strategically located in community sports venues, hospices, cafes, and businesses.
The Speakeasy Bench is not just a place to sit—it’s a symbol of inclusion, resilience, and the celebration of being different. Each bench carries the message: “Being different is cool.” The benches invite conversation and connection, fostering support within the community. With a QR code linking to the Speakeasy Club’s website, visitors can access free mental health resources—providing immediate help to those who need it most.
“We’re thrilled to have exceeded our initial target,” says Simon Clarke, founder of Speakeasy Club. “This project is about breaking down the barriers surrounding mental health by offering something simple, yet powerful—a bench to start the conversation. Every new bench is a reminder that mental health matters in every community. Being part of a community sports club has an incredible impact on mental health, and we’re passionate about supporting and celebrating the work these clubs do.”
The success of the project has been made possible thanks to the support of 22 venues including the world-famous Cardiff Arms Park, Rodney Parade & Hillsborough stadiums and organizations such as the National Lottery Community Fund, LCB Group, R&L Developments, Addis Housewares, Quality Carpets Direct, and several other corporate partners.
Individuals can search for the closet bench/resources to them by visiting Speakeasy Club’s website here and putting in their postcode.
Reflecting on his own mental health journey, Clarke shared, “If I had access to these resources in places I visited regularly, maybe I wouldn’t have found myself on the edge of a cliff at Barry Island.”
One core element of Speakeasy Club’s mission is helping people find their “Clubhouse”—a safe, judgment-free space where they feel they belong.
“Sport has given me so much throughout my life,” Simon continues. “When I was battling my own mental illness, the rugby club clubhouse was my refuge from reality. We need to make these spaces as accessible as possible and show future generations the power of talking and connecting. That’s what Speakeasy Club is all about—and why I want to see pink benches everywhere, from Wales and beyond.”
The initiative is already making a profound impact. By positioning the benches in key locations, the Speakeasy Club is providing both a literal and metaphorical space for people to pause, reflect, and seek support.
On September 27th, a group of 25 participants took on the Bench2Bench Challenge, walking 40 miles from RTB Ebbw Vale Bowls Club to Old Penarthians Rugby Club. Along the way, they passed 8 Speakeasy benches, raising nearly £5,000 for charity and sparking countless meaningful conversations. Plans are underway for four Bench2Bench walks in 2025, continuing the mission to raise awareness and build community.
With the initiative continuing to grow, Speakeasy Club has ambitious plans to expand its reach even further in the coming months, with a minimum of 60 benches in place and supporting thousands more people.
Meet you at the bench…
Match Report - Clubhouse Conversations Live with Shaun Edwards September 2024
Clubhouse Conversations Live - Shaun Edwards
Reflecting on a Successful Clubhouse Series with Shaun Edwards
We wrapped up another fantastic round of Clubhouse conversations featuring the legendary Shaun Edwards! Nearly 300 attendees joined our three events to enjoy Shaun’s captivating stories, full of honesty, insight, and humility.
Event Highlights:
Thursday afternoon, the 5th, saw us hosted by the exceptional Asador44 team in Cardiff, and co-owner Owen Morgan shared the background behind the family’s passion for Spanish culture and cuisine before we enjoyed an amazing 3-course meal. It was captivating hearing about his early experiences growing up in Wigna and the immense intelligence his mother had in encouraging him to learn about Rugby Union as well as league. We also heard how he works closely and individually with the likes of Romaiun Ntamack and Antonie Dupont and how he thrives under pressure both on and off the pitch. Thank you to Owen, Adam and the whole incredible team for the afternoon. We couldn’t have been looked after better.
Caption: ”Shaun welcoming host Owen Morgan of the 44Group and Speakeasy Life President Big Steve Clarke”
It was Friday night lights at Ystradgynlais RFC and it was safe to say that Shaun Was blown away by the set-up at the club. A superbly supported community club and over 160 people welcomed the great man to South Powys. An audience was blown away by tales of the mythical £35,000 signing on fee for Wigan as a 17year old, the challenges faced with his identity once he’d finished playing rugby league as well as plenty of inspiring memories of winning the Heineken Cup with London Wasps and plenty of Silverware with Wales over his 12-year term. A huge thank you to Emma for the brilliant buffet, to the whole team on the bar Saturday and to Gareth & Tristan for working with us on the event, really great to work with you and thanks so much for your kind welcome.
Caption: ”The right said Fred tribute act went down a storm at the end”
Saturday at Llanharan RFC: Following a big win for the 1st XV, Shaun gave an inspiring talk, sharing insights on young Andy Farrell, criticism from his father, and a memorable morning amplified by the priest at a local vale of Glamorgan church after a certain 2015 Twickenham victory.Super grateful to Andrew and the committee for welcoming us back and for supporting pulling the event together.
Caption: ”A superbly recreated moment from Shaun of the priest at the local church following THAT win against England in the 2015 World cup.”
Identity: Whether you’re a rugby player or a postman, your job doesn’t define you—you do. Shaun’s journey reminded us to hold onto that sense of self no matter what. His openness and honesty about how he felt he lost his identity when he retired from playing were relatable to many in the room.
Community: Shaun spoke about the powerful connection between the Welsh and Wiganers. There’s something special about belonging to a community—find your clubhouse and embrace it!
Thanks to the generosity of attendees, we raised vital funds to support mental health in sports and community rugby across South Wales. Shaun’s quiet kindness behind the scenes makes it clear why so many players would run through a brick wall for him.
If you’d like us to help support an event at your club, reach out at simon@speakeasyclub.co.uk, and don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on future events.
See you soon and speak easy – Simon & the Speakeasy Club Team
Speakeasy Benches #13 & #14 Sheffield Wednesday FC supported by Speakeasy Club
Speakeasy Benches #13 & #14 Sheffield Wednesday FC supported by Speakeasy Club
Sport has the power to positively change and save lives. Penarth-based Speakeasy Club is on a mission to put FREE wellbeing & Mental Health resources in every community sports venue in the world.
The power of conversations and sporting communities has led its founder to create the Speakeasy Bench, in a bid to inspire people to take time out and talk more.
Simon Clarke, Founder of Speakeasy Club said: ‘’Sport has given me so much throughout my whole life; when I was struggling with my own mental illness, the rugby club clubhouse was my safe space and almost a refuge from reality. We must make these places as accessible as possible for their communities and show the next generations the power of talking with each other. That’s what we aim to do through Speakeasy Club and why I want to see pink benches across Wales and beyond.”
Simon aims to see a pink bench in every community sports club in the world. Each bench has two QR codes. When you scan one of the QR codes it’ll take you straight to the online clubhouse where you’ll be able to access free mental health support and resources that can support you or your teammates. The idea is that they do all the work by collating the fantastic help that is out there, so it saves people time and energy.
Simon added’’ If I’d have had access to these resources at the places I was going to regularly, maybe I wouldn’t have found myself on the edge of a cliff on Barry Island’’.
One key aspect of the work Speakeasy Club are doing is helping people to find their ‘’Clubhouse’’. The place where they feel safe, and free from judgement and a place where they feel like they belong.
Despite being born and bred in Penarth, Simon has been a Sheffield Wednesday fan for over 30 years, and his clubhouse is their home ground of Hillsborough Stadium.
Simon said ‘’ I’ve supported Wednesday some 1993 and haven’t been able to shake them. For over 30 years with my father, I’ve travelled up and done the M1 regularly to watch the matches. During the darkest times of my depression and anxiety, watching Wednesday and wearing a hoody or a shirt was like my comfort blanket. It was the only thing that helped me at the time. Football is much more than just what happens on the pitch. ‘’
Speakeasy Club have partnered with the Sheffield Wednesday Community Programme to deliver two benches – one at Jubilee Sports and Social Club and one at Hillsborough Stadium – and free mental health support to thousands of people.
Ben Winter, Deputy Head of Community says: ‘’ It’s a privilege to link with the Speakeasy Club initiative. Connecting SWFC with a charity that aims to provide vital support for people within our community. The benches donated to us are perfectly positioned to allow people to access the resources they might need, in a non-judgmental and private way. Supporting people’s mental health is extremely important to SWFC and this partnership will only improve our ability to do that.’’
Simon recently appeared on the popular Sheffield Wednesday fan’s favourite podcast The Wednesday Week, and spoke about the plans to support fellow fans by providing the benches.
Simon was joined on one of the pink benches outside Hillsborough stadium by regular podcast panellist and host, Stevie Spence
Stevie Spence, The Wednesday Week Podcast says: ‘’ I’m born and bred in the Sharrow area of Sheffield which is a predominantly (Sheffield) United area of the city. I started Supporting Wednesday with my sister back in the mid-1980s and haven’t looked back. The time I get to spend with my 10-year-old daughter each Saturday at the match means the world to me. Being part of the podcast is like having a second family at times and my clubhouse is very much that group of people and Hillsborough itself. Personally, and as a podcast, we’re delighted to support Speakeasy’s mission, and it aligns perfectly with the community work the podcast team has been doing recently. Wednesday is a huge part of thousands of people’s lives, so it’s exciting to provide more opportunities for likeminded people to look after each other’’
Having launched in Penarth, South Wales on World Mental Health Day in October 2023, there are currently 15 benches in place with over 400 QR codes scanned, with several more benches across the UK in the pipeline.
The aim to put a Speakeasy bench in every community sports club in the world is certainly a lofty one, but one Simon and the team at Speakeasy Club are committed to.
For further information on how you can sponsor or support Speakeasy Club’s mission at your venue, contact Simon at simon@speakeasyclub.co.uk
Speakeasy Classic Charity Golf Day
Title: Speakeasy Classic Charity Golf Day
Guest Speakers: Joe Ledley
Venue: Glamorganshire Golf Club
Date: Thursday August 22nd 2024
Blog/ News
- Breakfast on arrival
- 18 holes Texas Scramble
- Speakeasy welcome pack
- Live on course scoring with VPAR
- Longest drive & Nearest the pin competitions
- On course beverages
- Welcome back drink
- 2 course meal
- Clubhouse conversation with special sporting guests
- Charity Fundraising
- Charity Putting competition
As of 7th Augsut, We currently have 3 spaces left for teams and sponsorship opporunuties available proiced at £50 and £100 each .
If you’d like to get imvolved please contact Simon Clarke on Simon@speakeasyclub.co.uk
Clubhouse Conversations Live...
Title: Clubhouse Conversations Live
Guest Speakers: Shaun Edwards
Venue: Llanharan Rugby Club
Date: Sept 7th 2024
Blog/ News
Speakeasy Club is delighted to partner with Llanharan RFC and welcome Rugby’s dual code behemoth, Shaun Edwards to the Clubhouse on Saturday 7th September.
Over 14 years representing hometown team Wigan in Rugby League, with over 450 appearances and over 270 tries. Shaun has 37 winners medals whilst playing in the league, was voted man of Steel in 1990 and in 2015 was the 25th inductee in the Rugby League Hall of fame. Shaun also had stints with London Broncos twice, Balmain Tigers in Sydney and Bradford Bulls.
After 10 years at Wasps working with a certain Warren Gatland, Shaun joined the Welsh National set-up and over 12 years commanded incredible respect on and off the pitch. As well as a place on the 2009 British & Irish Lions tour as defence coach, there were 6 Six Nations Championships, 3 Grand Slams and 2 World Cup Semi-Finals (and plenty of great memories!).
Shaun joined the French National set up, winning another Grand Slam in 2022, becoming the only coach to win multiple Grand Slams with 2 different Nations in 6 Nations’ history.
Hosted by Speakeasy Club and supported by Llanharan RFC, Shaun will reminisce on some tales from his career on and off the pitch. This will be followed by a Q&A including a deep dive into his time with Wales, Wigan & the Lions (and who knows, maybe a special World Cup story?!) as well as questions from the audience.
We will also be raising money for charity on the night – LooseHeadz – auctioning a signed France jersey, personalised to the winning bidder.
Event details:
630pm – VIP Meet & Greet
730pm to 9pm – Evenings conversations with Shaun & Q&A
Llanharan RFC, 16 & Over only.
Theatre-style seating.
Throughout the evening, we will be raising money for Looseheadz charity: https://looseheadz.co.uk/pages/about-us
As part of our commitment to being inquisitive, learning about others and ourselves. We’re both passionate & proud of our #shareyourshirt campaign.
On the night of the 7th September, we will be encouraging you to wear your favourite rugby shirt. It can be for any reason whatsoever. We want to start conversations with like-minded people, and find out about why that shirt and that team. The aim is to encourage people to learn something they didn’t know before, promoting curiosity and openness.
There will be a free drink on the night for anyone wearing a classic Shaun Edwards Wigan shirt!
We really look forward to welcoming you to the Clubhouse on the 7th of September, so sign up through the above link to secure your place!
Simon, the team at Speakeasy Club and Llanharan RFC
Wine tasting through sport with Ernie Els Wines
Title: Wine tasting through sport with Ernie Els Wines
Guest Speakers: Louis Strydom, Head Winemaker @ Ernie Els Wines
Venue: Online
Date: August 15th 2024
Blog/ News
We’re delighted to partner with Frontier Wines & Ernie Els Wines and excited to invite you to a FREE virtual wine-tasting evening with Louis Strydom, Head Winemaker at Ernie Els Wines dialling in LIVE from South Africa & in partnership with Frontier Fine wines
We will be tasting Ernie Els Big Easy Rose 2023 and Ernie Els Major Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2020.
Click here to order your wines from Frontier Wines and use the exclusive code EESPEAKEASY10 to receive 10% off.
Feel free to purchase both bottles we’ll be tasting or just one of them! You are also invited to join us to just listen and be part of the conversation too 🙂
This unique event is exactly 30 years since Ernie Els himself won his first major title at the US Open, and the week following the 2024 addition begins in Pinehurst, North Carolina.
This virtual evening will be hosted by Speakeasy Club and includes a live Clubhouse conversation AND tasting with the head winemaker at Ernie Els Wines, Louis Strydom.
????Online
???? Thursday 15th August
⏰ 7pm to 8pm GMT
???? FREE (Wines sold separately)
You’ll have the chance to:
???? Hear the Story behind @ernieelswines winery & Louis’ passion for wine
???? Hear about the winemaking process in Stellenbosch
???? Experience Louis talk through the “Big Easy” Cabernet Sauvignon Rose and the “Major Series” Cabernet Sauvignon.
???? Ask questions and be curious about what goes into the wine ???? making process
???? Access exclusive offers from Frontier Wines
???? Enjoy these fantastic wines with friends
We hope you can join us on the night and look forward to seeing you enjoying these incredible wines.
For any queries regarding your wine orders, please contact info@frontierfinewines.co.uk
For any queries about the event or logging into the event, please contact simon@speakeasyclub.co.uk