What began as a rugby team of 15 players plus a coach 100 years ago has grown into a club of multiple sport codes with today nearly 1000 members.

Mount Maunganui Sports Club is gearing up to celebrate their centenary anniversary next Easter – and plans are well underway for a weekend of socialising, reminiscing, sports and a formal dinner.

Club secretary and board member Rick Fowke is inviting past and present club members to join in festivities next April.

'We are a community club celebrating 100 years of community sport in Mount Maunganui,” says Rick.

Mount Maunganui Sports Club's first rugby team back in 1923. Photo: Supplied.

The story goes that in 1923 a group of young men living in Mount Maunganui got together to form the Mount Maunganui Rugby Club – most were employed at P.W.D Workshops when the East Coast railway line was being fabricated.

The club's ability to field teams before and during World War II varied depending on player availability in what was still a small town. However, this changed late-1946 when the club reformed after war. A team was fielded in 1947 – since then the club has continued to grow and prosper.

Fifty years ago, with players looking to keep fit in the off-season, two squash courts were built. Netball followed in 1985, with touch and sevens not far behind.

Women's rugby was introduced three years ago, with the team taking out last year's Bay of Plenty premiership.

'The club has grown in a big way, rather than stagnated, which is a pleasing thing,” says club patron Graeme Coley.

As numbers increased, so too did the need for a larger space to cater to them. In 1973, about 10 years after the first clubrooms were built in Hinau St, Mount Maunganui Sports Club broke ground on new rooms at Blake Park.

The Mount Maunganui Sports Club is an iconic institution of the Tauranga city and surrounding districts. Photo: Supplied.

Since then, further squash courts, rugby changing rooms and a large lounge have been added.

Players and members alike enjoy the social aspect of being involved, and it's not unusual to find multiple generations of one family involved.

'Some of the folks that have been around for a while become very loyal to our club,” says Graeme.

The club has had its fair share of well-known and accomplished players passing both the ball, and through its changing rooms.

Gordon Tietjens, Scott Robertson and Mike Delany have all had a high level of involvement. Black Ferns Natalie Delamere, Angel Mulu and Kelsie Wills are also members.

At heart though, it's a family club, in and for the community.

Mount Maunganui Sports Club board member Rick Fowke and club patron Graeme Coley outside the clubrooms. Photo: Catherine Sylvester.

Each week, the club and Blake Park play host to hundreds of school-aged sportspeople.

Within their ranks will be future club representatives – those who will have the opportunity to play for the Colts, move on to Development, or to play Premier grade.

'We're committed to providing a safe, enjoyable family environment and personal development for our players, across all our codes,” says Rick.

This commitment is backed up by those who give their time freely to keep everything running smoothly.

Volunteers and members, past and present – are asked to mark the calendar, and get ready for the once-in-a-100-year celebration.

Register your interest in attending the April 2023 centenary at: www.mountsports.co.nz/mount-sports-100th

Catherine Sylvester