Our goal is simple: to bring neighbors together on the lawn. The SJCA fosters good sportsmanship, encourages community engagement, and promotes fun in an activity that is accessible to all.
We are dedicated to providing our members with everything necessary to play, including:
While croquet lawns had been in the original plans at St. James, only one had been built but had not been maintained at a playable level and so saw little use. Then St. James Croquet Association (SJCA) was formally established in 2021. Under the initiative of the Association’s first president, Dave Filios, The Clubs upgraded the lawn at Players Club and interest was revived in the game and introduced the community to the numerous benefits of the sport. Subsequently The Clubs built another croquet lawn and related facilities at the Reserve.
The St James Croquet Association (SJCA) welcomes participants of all skill levels, whether you are just starting out or seeking to refine advanced strategies. Our training programs are designed to accommodate a wide range of interests and goals, led by experienced coaches passionate about the sport. Learn more at our Training page.
Croquet is believed to have originated in the 13th century among French peasants who played a version using rudimentary mallets and hoops made from willow branches. However, its roots may go back as far as a Roman ball and mallet game Paganica believed to have been brought to Britain by Roman legions in the 3rd century.
The modern form traces back to 1852, when the game was introduced to England from Ireland. It quickly flourished as a main social pastime of the British leisure class and spread to the colonies by 1870. In the early 20th century the more energetic lawn tennis began to draw attention and participation away from more leisurely lawn games like croquet.
Learn about croquet’s link to Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, croquet’s appearance in the Olympics and more on our History page.