Watton Tennis Club is a small friendly club, run by volunteers who love playing tennis. We are always looking for new members and welcome players of all standards and all ages, especially now that Mini Tennis is also available for children typically between ages 5 and 10 years, taught by a qualified LTA Coach. If you are interested in playing tennis, we would encourage you to join our friendly clu
b. Potential ‘new members’ are welcome to come along a couple of times for free. Mini Tennis also offers the first coaching session for free. Prices are far cheaper than if you were to ‘pay and play’ and you have access to the courts at any time; weather and light permitting! There are also opportunities to play against other players, particularly on club nights and to get involved in the league, if you wish. We have 3 outdoor tennis courts (hard court) located at the Sports Centre and during winter months we use the indoor sports hall for Mini Tennis coaching, so children can continue to be coached throughout the year. FEES
Annual membership (1 May to 30 April) (includes Social Membership to Watton Sports Centre worth £20)
• £130 Family (2 adults and children under 18)
• £55 Adults
• £35 Student (16+ in full time education)
• £25 Junior under 16
• £15 Non playing adult, attending with Junior
Please note: If you are already a member of Watton Sports Centre and have paid the new £20 membership, please deduct this from your tennis club membership fee but inform a committee member when you make your payment. MEMBER BENEFITS
• Social Tennis several times a week for adults - Monday and Thursday evenings; and Sunday mornings.
• Mini Tennis – Sunday mornings. Children are typically aged between 5 years to 10 years and learn basic tennis skills whilst having fun. Taught by a qualified Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) Coach, our aim is to encourage children in the local community to participate in tennis and lead a more active lifestyle. Reduced rate for players with Family Membership.
• League matches throughout the summer months - for those interested in a more competitive game.
• Free anytime use of courts – subject to availability.
• Social Membership to the Sports Centre:
o Members Only Bar – serving food and drinks
o Members Only events
o Reduced rate to hiring other sports facilities
o Reduction on room hire for e.g. wedding, parties etc
o Sunday Breakfast! Hot sandwiches and drinks for parents and children, as long as pre ordered. TIMES
Social Tennis: Monday and Thursday evenings (April – October)
Sunday from 10.30am until 1.30pm (all year)
Mini Tennis: Sunday from 9.30am – 10.30am (Summer and Autumn Terms – outdoor courts. Winter and Spring Terms – indoor sports hall)
JUNIORS
On Mondays and Thursdays between 4pm and 6pm, juniors have priority on the courts for an ‘Unsupervised Junior Evening.’ When adult members arrive later, the juniors are welcome to join in the senior games if they are at a reasonable level of competence. If you are interested in coaching, please note on your membership subscription form. MATCHES
Each summer we enter a mixed doubles team and the dates are posted on the Tennis Club notice board in the Sports Centre. If you are interested in playing in the team, please let Frances Whiting know that you are available for selection. (Tel 01953 483329)
COURTS
As well as the moss challenge, it is important that members take responsibility in helping to maintain the condition of the courts. Please wear the correct tennis shoes and not the all-purpose astro turf trainers and respect the courts which aren’t as sturdy as they used to be! Furthermore, why not consider emptying the litter bin from time to time? Bring a carrier bag along now and then and take the litter home: It would certainly help. MEMBERSHIP OF THE LTA
Please spare a few minutes of your time to go online at www.lta.org.uk and sign up for British Tennis Membership. This costs nothing but you will receive an official membership card through the post with other literature and benefits. The club also benefits too. If you have any problems with this, you can phone the LTA on 02084877000. We are being urged very strongly to ask all tennis club members to join and then you can receive information directly from the LTA. WHAT DO THE CLUB MEMBERSHIP FEES GO TOWARDS? Funds raised go to pay for the ongoing maintenance of the courts, including cleaning the courts, replacement nets, benches and club signs and literature. There are also costs to the Sports Centre and separate tennis insurance to cover. To raise further funds, mid last season it was agreed that the tennis courts would be available for public use on a ‘pay and play’ basis; the Sports Centre arrange the bookings and the tennis club receive a percentage of the takings.
