In the first of a Club Spotlight series, Norfolk Tennis focus on Brooke & District Tennis Club, seven miles south of Norwich, which has two floodlight courts and around 200 members, and a vibrant weekly coaching programme attracting over 100 junior players.
The Club, founded in 1935, has worked hard to create a genuinely inclusive and welcoming environment that engages players of all ages and abilities. This has led to strong junior retention and a consistent transition into full club membership.
Player Pathway
Martin Coates, an LTA Level 5 coach, and the committee have developed a clear and inspiring pathway from beginner through to team player, leader, and coach. Players are supported in progressing into school and adult teams, with many of our teenagers now playing a key role in strengthening the teams and overall standard.
Competition
Competition is a big part of what the Club offers. The Club runs termly Junior Aces competitions, as well as singles ladder and box leagues for both teenagers and adults. They've recently introduced a Club Championships, and currently field six teams in the City League — three ladies and three men’s teams. Last season saw fantastic success, with the Ladies A winning Division 1 and Ladies B winning Division 2 of the Norwich City League. Alongside this, the Club run a range of social tournaments throughout the year to keep competition fun and accessible.
Leadership & Coaching Development
A major focus for Brooke is developing young leaders within the club. We currently have over 20 teenagers involved in the LTA Tennis Leaders programme, actively supporting sessions and acting as role models for younger players. In addition, they’ve mentored over seven players through their LTA Level 1 and Level 2 coaching qualifications, creating a strong internal pathway for future coaches and leaders.
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Coaching Programme & Innovation
The coaching programme is structured, engaging, and built around long-term player development, combining strong technical foundations with fun, game-based learning. Brooke has introduced our own Junior Aces sticker-based achievement awards, which has been a big success in motivating younger players while helping parents clearly see their child’s progress. More recently, the Club has begun to introduce pickleball through taster sessions, which has been a great way to broaden participation and attract new people into the club. Martin Coates regularly shares engaging tennis tips on social media to support player development and keep the members connected and improving beyond the court.
Community
The Club is very proud of the strong community feel within the club. Brooke has established links with local primary schools and a particularly strong connection with Fram High School and Sports Centre. There is a real sense of togetherness between juniors, parents, and adult members, supported by regular communication through social media and our members’ WhatsApp group. The club has a positive, energetic atmosphere where people feel part of something.
Facilities & Future Vision
The Club takes a proactive approach to maintaining and improving our facilities, with plans in place for court resurfacing to enhance the playing experience for all members. Looking ahead, the Club has an ambitious but realistic vision to further develop the club, including additional courts and an improved clubhouse, ensuring long-term sustainability and continued growth.