New research carried out by the Sports and Recreation Alliance (SRA) has found the UK's 150,000 sports clubs face a "gloomy outlook" as membership and income levels decline.

The SRA polled 2,000 clubs across 40 different sports as part of the study, with the average club surplus falling by 45 per cent to just over £1,000 over the last three years.

Other key findings showed more than a quarter of clubs are currently running at a loss, with average annual club income in 2010 dropping by 15 per cent against 2008 levels.

Elsewhere, 64 per cent of clubs have expressed concern at recruiting new members, while 61 per cent believe generating sufficient income will be an issue going forward.

SRA chief executive Tim Lamb said: "It's not just during the season of goodwill that our clubs need support but all the year round

"With a home Olympic and Paralympic games, 2012 will be a huge year for sport in the UK so it's going to be important that we make the most of it."

Details: www.sportandrecreation.org.uk