SOCIAL PLAY

These are set times when all members (adult & competent juniors) are welcome to turn up and get involved in a doubles match. There is no fee – this is included in your membership. They are a great way for players to get on court, meet new people and enjoy a game of tennis in a fun and relaxed ambiance. All social play is in doubles format. Our goal is to ensure that players are treated to a good quality of tennis with a range of players.

All abilities welcome, to ensure a good mix and to be inclusive, but for a true beginner, it would be a better experience if you had lessons or practice sessions first. Otherwise it can be very one-sided and short!

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The set times are:

Friday Mixed – 3 courts, 17:30 - 20:30
This is a social event where members are welcome to enjoy a drink and something to eat in the clubhouse afterwards. This is the only evening when the bar is open to members and non-members alike. A perfect gathering in a friendly atmosphere with a safe space for families.

Saturday Women – 2 courts, 10:00 - 13:00

Saturday Mixed – 3 courts, 13:00 - 16:00

Sunday Mixed – 3 courts, 13:00 - 16:00

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Suggested Format

The suggested format is the first 4 players who turn up, warm up and then play one set. Once a couple of courts, or more, are in use it’s good to finish at similar times and mix-up, usually by putting your racquet in to be chosen for random selection.

If people are waiting to join-in, then as soon as a set is completed one of the players who has played the most will sit out and offer the people waiting an opportunity to play. Having a fair turn and an equal amount of time on court is the objective.

Pairing and groups may be best done by ability range - so everyone gets a good competitive match and no-one is out of their depth. Of course, everyone should be willing to play with anyone else. It is a group decision on who plays with whom, no one person is in charge.

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Additional Notes

The club does not provide balls for social sessions - players bring their own set of balls, and mark the balls with a distinguishing feature - so they don’t get mixed up with the balls from other courts.

Please leave the courts tidy after use and in a state you would expect to find them in: sweep as usual and take all litter with you. Please check out our Court Care information 

As a courtesy to other members, please let everyone know via the main players WhatsApp group as soon as it becomes clear that one or more courts is vacant, or will not be taken up for social tennis, especially in peak times.