About Sport Court
The concept began with two old colleagues who have been passionately debating sporting issues for 18 years. Despite many disagreements, they have always remained friends. Given the passions aroused in their own conversations, they felt there was potential for public sporting debate in a traditional format with a touch of Question Time. The Sport Court was born.
A launch took place in September 2008 attended by Martin Keown, Les Ferdinand, Paul Elliot and Ray Stubbs among others. The debate format was revealed to the guests and a lively Q & A chaired by Garth Crooks followed. The warm ambience allied to intelligent, entertaining discussion set the tone.
In January 2009 the first debate took place at the offices of Sony Music Entertainment.
The motion 'The overseas influence in the Premier League is harmful to the English game' was proposed by Richard Bevan and Henry Winter and opposed by David Dein and Steve Norris. You can view highlights of previous debates on The Sport Court channel on YouTube.
The Sport Court was in session again recently in the heart of the West End before a full house, to adjudge whether the behaviour of professional sportsmen is now out of control as the players took on officialdom. Times journalist and former British No1 table tennis star Matthew Syed teamed up with rugby legend Martin Offiah in a face- off with Stockport County FC director and Labour Peer Lord Peter Snape and controversial football referee Clive ‘the book Thomas. You can read a full review of the evening here.
The feedback from our events has been enthusiastic and complimentary. Our original mission to encapsulate the cut and thrust of intelligent debate in a social setting was clearly evident, a feature our members and guests find attractive. The motion requires polarity of opinion and the audience can not only pose questions but determine the verdict. The debates take place in the early evening in prestigious venues in Central London.
The Sport Court will host four open debates a year but will also design bespoke debates for corporate clients.
For more information on how we can tailor a corporate event specifically for you, becoming a member of the Sport Court or if you wish to attend a future event please contact us.