FEATURE
Catch – Lucie Stott, Paul Hewitson and Stephanie Robson of the Dodgeball Centre, Hartlepool.
Keeping the ball rolling
WORDS: JULIE BURNISTON PICTURES: CHRIS BOOTH
Hartlepool’ s unique Dodgeball Centre celebrates partnership with UCS Technologies
Six years ago, in one of Hartlepool’ s most deprived neighbourhoods, a former warehouse was transformed into a lifeline for hundreds of young people.
The Dodgeball Centre, Hartlepool is the only dedicated dodgeball facility in the world and a hub for inclusion, health and aspiration.
Founded in April 2021 by physiotherapist Lucinda Stott, former primary school teacher Stephanie Robson and Paul Hewitson, the centre grew from a shared passion for fitness
After qualifying to teach Zumba, circuit training and boxercise, Lucie and Steph launched classes aimed at tackling childhood obesity and providing children with a safe, welcoming space. Yet it was dodgeball that truly captured the hearts of their junior members.
“ The kids always asked to play dodgeball,” Stephanie recalls.“ We used to do it at the end of training sessions, and their faces just lit up. Someone mentioned there was a dodgeball qualification, so Lucie and I looked into it and both quickly passed it.”
What began as a small club soon gained momentum. In 2020, Stephanie and Lucie secured their own premises.
“ We got the keys just as lockdown was announced,” Stephanie says.“ It was terrifying, but we knew how important the centre would be for the town, so we kept going.”
Through Sport England grants, local fundraising, charitable backing and volunteer support, the centre survived – and evolved. Unlike sports halls elsewhere, every detail of the facility was designed specifically for dodgeball, from court markings to specialist sprung flooring.
“ That flooring is so important,” Stephanie explains.“ Children going through growth spurts can be more vulnerable to injury.
80 | Tees Business