How to get started with U18 coaching

• New players of ages 4-17 can contact the Head Coach, Joe, to book a free taster session from those detailed at the bottom of the page (subject to availability).
• Following the trial, the parent will be asked to set up a direct debit, should they wish to continue attending the session. There is no commitment in place on this monthly payment and can be cancelled at any time.
• The initial payment may need to be made pro rata should the start date be mid-month.
• It is also required that the child becomes a 'junior member' of the club to continue attending coaching, but this will not be required until month 2 of classes, giving a 'decision window' of sorts, for the first month.

Cost

The cost of a single weekly session is £22 per month. This works out at around £7ph for termly classes when thinned out over the course of a year. For further sessions (for other siblings or a child attending multiple sessions), there is a 15% discount making the cost £37.50 per month for 2 weekly sessions and so on.

For junior membership, the cost is £25 for a year, which runs from April-April and is purchased directly through the website here. Those that join classes between September-January can purchase a 'Winter membership', which is £10 for juniors and runs till April too.

When do classes run?

Once payment has been set up, you will register your child's details on our website (through Clubspark), which will, in turn, provide you with the relevant termly dates for their respective session. But in general, we run throughout the school year with sessions taking place on school weeks and camps during Easter, Summer and May half-term.

Catch-up sessions and cancellation

The cost of coaching has already accounted for 2 cancelled sessions per year, which is the average amount due to weather. In the event of further cancelled sessions, or should a child's 'unavoidable' absence be reported prior to the session, you will be credited a 'catch-up' session. This means they can attend another session of a similar standard to make up if agreed prior with the coach.

To cancel participation in sessions, one must simply cancel their Direct Debit (easily done through their bank), and let us know you can no longer attend. You will still be able to attend sessions during the month in which you've paid.

Please see the sessions on offer below and enquire about a free trial by contacting Joe on headcoach@horsforthtennisclub.co.uk

LTA Youth Red (Ages 5-8) 

• Monday 4-5pm
• Friday 4.15-5.15pm
• Saturday 10-11am

This age group gives children a full and comprehensive base to start their tennis journey. They will essentially develop agility, balance and coordination whilst practising the required techniques for tennis. There is an emphasis on foundational movements such as throwing, catching, footwork and early preparation which are key to both tennis and general sporting development. Players will understand the basic techniques and how to play points by the time they move up to Orange.

LTA Youth Orange (Ages 8-10)

• Tuesday 4.15-5.15pm
• Friday 5.15-6.15pm (joint session)
• Saturday 11-12pm (joint session)

Players will focus more on the physical and tactical side of the game. The big court, bouncier balls and competitive aspects of orange tennis make it very rewarding for young players.

LTA Youth Green (Ages 10-12)

• Tuesday 5.15-6.15pm (joint session)
• Thursday 4.30-5.30pm
• Friday 5.15-6.15pm (joint session)

When they move up to Green they will start to cover the whole court and develop the technique to hit from baseline to baseline. The green balls are easier to hit than a 'full ball', therefore young juniors can still develop their strokes and tactics sufficiently before progressing.

Junior Tennis (Ages 12+)

• Monday 5-6pm
• Thursday 5.30-6.30pm
• Saturday 9-10am & 12-1pm

Juniors over 11 should look to start playing 'full ball' tennis. Players will learn to play singles and doubles competitively and get the full reward from their tactical/technical practice. Above all we are keen to make this enjoyable, as kids enter their teens it's important they see the benefits of their labours, to avoid dropping out of activity!

Please note, a WhatsApp group has been set up for each squad to allow the coach to quickly relay important information to the parents such as cancellations. Although not a requirement, it would be helpful if you have a WhatsApp profile that can join the appropriate group when signed up.