“I haven’t played for years…”
Being the main contact point for Chislehurst Tennis Club enquiries, hardly a week goes by without me hearing this phrase from a potential new member, but it doesn’t usually take long to persuade them that they are not alone, and that the majority of new members tend to be ‘returnees’ who last picked up a tennis racquet either in their student days at ‘uni’, or before the needs of bringing up a young family eroded their leisure time!
“Where is the club located?” is often the next question, as many people in Chislehurst become aware of ‘The Rec’ mainly through walking the dog or pushing a baby in a buggy, or taking a toddler to the Children’s Playground. The Tennis Club can be found in the Recreation Ground, with our hard courts dominating the view by the newly-landscaped Empress Drive entrance.
“Can I come and ‘have a go’?” – yes, sure you can! Come along any Sunday morning, when we hold a social play session from 10.00am until about mid-day, and there is usually a court available for a potential new member to come and have a hit, either with a friend in the first instance, or join in a friendly doubles with other members, these of varying ages and skill-levels. You may not yet be a Johanna Konta or a Kyle Edmund, but they had to start somewhere, and a Sunday morning in Chislehurst might just be the start of YOUR road to fame and (possible) fortune!
“Is it expensive to join?” – not particularly, and Chislehurst is the most competitively-priced in the area for adults, while junior membership for under-11 children is just £10.00 a year.
“Is there competitive tennis? I’m a bit rusty now, but was quite good when I was younger.” – Chislehurst Tennis Club competes in the North Kent League – actually the biggest regional league in the country- and has a busy summer season schedule of league matches for our two ladies teams, a men’s team and two mixed teams – all doubles- playing matches against teams in the Bromley, Bexley and Dartford areas at evenings and weekends, and a Midweek Mixed Veterans team, this playing weekday morning matches for ladies over 40 and men over 45 who may be either working from home, taking time off, or be retired!
“I could do with some coaching” – you have come to the right place! James Oni is our Club Coach, and sometime singles player on the Futures tour. James will be happy to arrange private coaching sessions, adult or junior, one-to-one or groups, and is also involved in our busy Junior coaching programme each Saturday morning from 9.00am during term time as well as tennis camps at the club during school holidays.
“How do I join?” – simply visit the Club website at www.chislehursttennis.org.uk and click on the Join Here or Membership tabs to download an application form and make payment online. As soon as your payment reaches our bank, you will be sent our ‘welcome’ letter and have access to the courts.
Local Club tennis is a useful pathway to personal development, this evidenced by two ladies who joined just a couple of years ago, had some coaching lessons, began to play regularly, and are now captains of their respective league teams. It is not all competitive, however, and lots of our members have joined to enjoy some gentle (?!) exercise, some fresh air (sunshine AND rain”) – and the friendly company of fellow members. We would love to hear from YOU, be it for leisure or competition!
More details at chislehursttennis.org.uk – tel: 07754 089280
