LIFESTYLE
Community – David Lloyd clubroom manager Richard Booth thrives on bringing people together.
THE HEART OF THE CLUB
Inside the thriving community culture of David Lloyd Teesside with clubroom manager Richard Booth
PICTURES: CHRIS BOOTH WORDS: JULIE BURNISTON
At first glance, the clubroom at David Lloyd Teesside could be mistaken for a typical fitness club café, with great coffee, smoothies and post-workout brunches.
But under the leadership of clubroom manager Richard Booth, it’ s evolved into something much more: the beating heart of the club.
“ It’ s where conversations start, friendships form and members feel like they’ re part of something,” he says.
Richard has a deep understanding of what it means to build a community. He began his hospitality career as a pub landlord at just 18 and went on to run a successful village pub alongside his wife, Helen – even building the kitchen himself and transforming it into a much-loved food destination.
“ I loved being hands-on and part of a real community,” he says.
“ But after 13 years, I needed a change – more stability for my family and more time with my kids.
“ We sold up, and for a while I just focused on enjoying all kinds of outdoor activities with them. It was a reset.”
A former member of David Lloyd Sunderland, Richard found his next chapter through a tip-off from his brother, a personal trainer at the club.
He said:“ When I heard there was a role going at Teesside, I thought, why not? I’ d rediscovered my passion for people and business, so it felt like the right time.”
Richard joined David Lloyd Teesside just before the Covid-19 pandemic and in the build-up to the club’ s £ 3.5m refurbishment. He soon became involved across the board.
“ I do far more than food and beverage,” he smiles.“ I work across departments and help shape the member experience. That’ s what really drives me.”
His passion for people and operations has taken him far beyond Teesside, supporting training and launches across the country – including as far as Edinburgh, Belfast and Dublin.
“ I’ ve loved supporting clubs across the region and beyond,” he says.“ But I might be biased – there’ s something genuinely special about Teesside.
“ The members here are what make it. There’ s a real warmth and community spirit that you can’ t help but feel part of.”
Richard’ s most successful initiative is“ clubs within the club”, member-led groups that include gardening, running, art, creative writing and a book club – all included in the membership price.
“ These micro-communities are all about connection,” he explains.
“ One lady who recently lost her husband joined David Lloyd for this social connection and it’ s really lifted her spirits.
“ She met fellow gardening enthusiasts and they recently went to a local garden centre and now have plans for further get-togethers. It’ s fantastic to see these friendships unfold.”
This people-first approach has transformed the way the clubroom is used.
“ It’ s no longer just a place to grab a coffee,” Richard says.
“ Members co-work here, host meetings, relax with a book – it’ s multifunctional. Some even take Zoom calls poolside. It’ s professional yet welcoming.”
With more than 7,000 members and counting, David Lloyd Teesside is thriving.
“ We’ ve got every age group, from young
Together – a running group formed at David Lloyd Teesside who have been going for 22 years, including Linda Russell-Bond, Jonathan Bond, Neil Scott, Christine Scott, Debra Collin, Jane Suddaby, Michele Holdsworth and Jo Humphreys, a food and beverage supervisor at the club.
adults in the book club to couples in their 90s still swimming every day.
“ What connects them is the feeling of belonging. That’ s what really matters.”
Looking ahead, Richard is particularly excited about the club’ s summer programme; Summer at the Club.
He said:“ We’ ve got Family Splash events, live DJs and BBQs on the terrace. In the recent warm weather people were lounging in the sun, sipping smoothies, taking business calls by the pool. It’ s a lifestyle offering, not just a gym.”
For Richard, the role has always been about more than operations.
“ My goal is simple: make people feel seen, supported and connected,” he says.
“ When someone joins feeling a little unsure, and weeks later they’ ve made friends and found their place – that’ s the real win.”
davidlloyd. co. uk / clubs / teesside
The voice of business in the Tees region | 103