Racquet sports no longer part of Link4Life memberships

Link4Life

Link4Life is removing racket sports from the membership package. Racket sports was included in the premium membership package, but only 4% of members used this part of the package.

Link4Life has recently reviewed its membership categories and now offers two membership options - ‘Plus’ at £28.99 and ‘Extra’ at £22.99.

The revised memberships include:

• Unlimited gym, swim and classes at any time of the day (subject to pool opening times)
• Full use of all of the relaxation areas at Rochdale Leisure Centre, Middleton Arena and Heywood Sports Village
• Eight days in advance class bookings
• Free Boditrax body composition measurement, health checks, induction, programmes and reviews
• Fixed membership price for two years (no further price amendment until at least January 2019)

A Link4Life spokesperson said: “This did lead to those with a ‘premium’ membership having off-peak badminton and squash withdrawn from their memberships with a corresponding price reduction in their membership price. Members can also benefit from a 20% discount on the standard price off all racquet sports. 

“People can still play racquet sports, it’s just no longer part of the membership package. Individuals can just book a court. If people no longer want to pay for membership they can still book courts to play racquet sports. We don’t want people to stop playing and we are working with all our customers to accommodate any sports they want to play.”

Shaukat Ali said: “We feel that this is unreasonable and unjustified given that one of the council's main aims is to promote healthy living in the borough. The cancellation of racket sports will mean that we cannot afford to hire the sports hall and as a result there will be reduction of membership and an increase of unhealthy lifestyle which may have impact on other services provided by the council.”