Our Club History

The first mention of Formby Lawn Tennis Club appeared in "The Field, the Country Gentlemen's Newspaper" on 13 August 1881, when the club entered a local tournament. By 1889, an agreement for the tenancy of land off Gores Lane was formally established.

Between 1920 and 1937, FLTC-working with the Cricket Club-hosted one of the largest open tournaments in the North of England. These events drew top international players, including members of the Australian Davis Cup team.

In the 1950s and 1960s, membership expanded significantly as the club acquired more land and introduced new hard courts. Major fundraising events supported a clubhouse extension, completed in 1971.

The club was honoured in 1985 when it hosted an international match between England and Ireland. In the 1990s, FLTC competed in the Silk Cut Tennis Challenge, reaching regional finals three times and winning the national final in 1996 at Queen's Club.

In 2002, the club was gifted the freehold of the grounds, securing its future. A major modernisation programme followed in 2009, including a refurbished clubhouse, upgraded kitchen, double glazing and central heating. In 2013, the club celebrated 125 years of tennis at Gores Lane with a large marquee event.

In 2024, the club completed a full floodlight upgrade across all courts with state-of-the-art LED lighting and opened its first padel court, marking the next chapter in the club's evolution.

Today, FLTC continues to blend historic charm with modern facilities, offering tennis and padel for all ages in a vibrant and welcoming community.