Club

2026 January Newsletter

Hello Abercorn members!


🎾 NEWS

January may be nearly over, but we’ve definitely beaten the January blues at Abercorn!

It’s been a hugely positive start to the year, with:

  • A flurry of new members — many already joining teams
  • Packed social tennis nights
  • Social squash as popular as ever
  • H//T Squash proving a real hit!
  • Junior squash going from strength to strength in its second block
  • Higher winter tennis coaching enrolment than in years past
  • A brand-new 4th men’s tennis team stepping up to league play
  • AND a brand-new 4th women’s tennis team joining the league
  • A consultant engaged to kick-start our court replacement plans
  • A great deal secured on tailored club insurance
  • Progress on our SCIO application
  • More junior members and families than ever
  • Increased use of the lounge and kids’ area
  • More members socialising at the club
  • Some great new events (see below!) booked in
  • And… a new (to us) pizza cutter! 🍕

📱 WhatsApp Community

A reminder to join our WhatsApp community to stay up to date with everything happening around the club.

To be added, email your mobile number to info@abercornsportsclub.co.uk and we’ll sort it for you.


🔐 Security Updates

We’re making some security improvements over the coming weeks, so you may notice a few changes around the club.

Key change:
The clubhouse will no longer be open 24/7.
➡️ Member access will be from 6am–11pm daily (hopefully not too disruptive for most!).

You’ll also see:

  • Cameras installed at entry/exit points
  • A camera monitoring court conditions

These changes help reduce high insurance premiums and deter anti-social behaviour and vandalism, and will comply with all privacy law and GDPR requirements.


💡 Floodlights

Court 4 floodlights are now fully operational and bookable as usual — perfect for keeping winter tennis going.

Please remember to cancel your booking if you’re unable to play, as the lights will stay on regardless.


🎾 Tennis Scoreboards

New all-weather, double-sided tennis scoreboards, thanks in part to funds from our sponsors Jack Brown Eyecareand Pharmacy Clinic Edinburgh, are now installed beside each court, keeping players and spectators up to date.

We’re expecting to hear far fewer:

“Who’s winning?”
“What’s the score?”

when team matches get underway!


🎾 Tennis Teams – Great News!

We’re delighted to have enough keen members to register four tennis teams for the upcoming ESLTA doubles league season in both the MEN’S and WOMEN’S divisions.

Currently, over 70 players have expressed interest in taking part, which is fantastic news for the health and growth of tennis at Abercorn. There’s still room for more players to get involved, particularly on the women’s side. If you’re taking lessons, joining socials, or simply enjoy doubles tennis, team tennis is the next-level fun experience!

If you’re curious, please get in touch to find out more. There’s no requirement to commit every week; flexibility is built in.

 


 

🎾 Tennis Etiquette – Friendly Reminders

A couple of quick etiquette reminders to help everyone enjoy their time on court:

  • Please cross courts at the net only during a break in play.
  • When returning balls that stray onto your court, make sure the owner is aware, so no one is accidentally hit or put at risk.

Thanks everyone for helping keep our courts safe, friendly, and enjoyable—and here’s to a great season of tennis ahead! 🎾👏


🧍‍♂️ Squash Coaching

Our latest squash coaching block is well underway for both juniors and adults.

  • H//T Squash is literally a hit — watch this space for future fitness-based sessions
  • Spaces still available in Improvers and Development Squad coaching (Tuesdays)
  • Just £6 per hour for members

Book online and take your new skills straight into your next box league match!

If the schedule doesn’t suit you, please get in touch; we can shape future blocks around demand.

👉Book Improvers here

👉 Book Development Squad here


🎾 Tennis Coaching

We’ve seen more members on court this January than ever before — fantastic to see both new and familiar faces making the most of our coaching programme.

There are still a few spaces available, so head to the website to book in.


✨ Member Benefits & Perks

A reminder that Abercorn members enjoy a great range of benefits with Edinburgh Leisure, SportsShoes.com, Great Grog, and our valued sponsors Jack Brown Eyecare and Pharmacy Clinic Edinburgh.

Visit the Member Perks and Club Sponsors section of the website to find out more and make the most of your membership! 🎾✨


🌿 Wildlife at the Club

Some of our members have expressed interest in documenting the wildlife that visits the club grounds. We’ll be sure to share any findings, and any footage we manage to capture, along the way.

Who knows what might call our grounds home in addition to our fox family? 🐿️🦉


🏛️ SCIO Incorporation Update

We’re full steam ahead with incorporating the club as a SCIO (Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation). Our solicitors have confirmed that the club will not be subject to Capital Gains Tax or Land and Buildings Transaction Tax, addressing a question raised at the AGM.

Moving to a SCIO structure will also open up access to a wider range of funding opportunities, supporting two exciting future infrastructure projects: tennis court replacement in the coming years and new heating for the squash courts and table tennis area in the near term.

This is an important step in strengthening the club’s long-term sustainability and facilities for all members.


🎟️ EVENTS

🎉 First Friday Social – Friday 6 February

6:30–8:30pm

  • Squash courts
  • Table tennis
  • Tennis courts 1, 2 & 3

The bar will be open from 6:30pm for drinks, darts, pool, and good company.


🏓 Table Tennis Tournament

Friday 27 February 2026

Who can enter?
All members aged 14+, any ability.

Schedule:

  • 5:00–6:00pm: Free play (no entry required)
  • 6:00–6:30pm: Warm-up
  • 6:30pm: Tournament begins

👉 Free Entry link here

📌 Non-marking shoes required (Squash Court 1)
🍻 Bar open with snacks and veggie chilli available to purchase


🛡️ Self-Defence & Personal Safety Workshop

 

📅 Wednesday 18 March

⏰ 7:00–8:30pm

📍 Location: Abercorn Clubhouse

💷 £15 per person

Join Craig from Combat Solutions for a practical and empowering self-defence and personal safety workshop. Learn how to recognise risk, protect yourself, and feel more confident handling difficult situations.

✅ Open to adult members and non-members — please spread the word!
👉 Click here for full details and to sign up

Places are limited, so early booking is recommended.


🍷 Wine & Cheese Tasting Evening 🧀

Join us for a fabulous evening with the wine experts from Great Grog, sampling a selection of delicious wines with plenty of cheese to nibble as you sip.

📅 Friday 27 March

⏰ 7:00–9:00pm

📍 Location: Abercorn Clubhouse

💷 £25 per person

✅ Open to members and non-members — bring your friends along!

A relaxed, sociable evening guaranteed, whether you’re a wine enthusiast or just fancy a great night out.

👉 Sign up here


📅 Other Events Coming Up in 2026 (Save the Dates!)

  • 6 March – First Friday (Ball machine demo with Robin Burns, 7pm)
  • 3 April – First Friday (American Doubles tennis)
  • April / May – Starkey & Keppie Cups - mini-tournament day for squash and tennis
  • 23 May – Open Day
  • 6 June – Family scavenger hunt
  • 11–12 July – Wimbledon finals weekend
  • August - Quiz night
  • September – Club Championships and finals day
  • October–December – Junior tennis and squash tournament, wreath making & festive socials

👉 Subscribe to our google calendar to keep up date with everything that’s going on.


💬 Got a Question?

We’re always happy to help — email us at info@abercornsportsclub.co.uk.

See you around the club soon! 🙌
 

Abercorn Sports Club