Early in 1988, Barbara Pallister called a meeting in Ombersley Memorial Hall to see if there was any interest in founding a Tennis Club. The grass court on the recreation field had been ploughed up during WW2 for potatoes and not replaced. The land for a potential new club had been promised by Lord Sandys of Ombersley Court with a long lease and a peppercorn rent.

Over 40 people turned up and that evening the Ombersley and Doverdale Tennis Club was founded. Founding officials were:

Chairman - Barbara Pallister

Secretary - Sandie Smart

Treasurer - Sue Hughes

Groundsman - Dieter Baer

With grants and loans secured from the LTA and The Sports Council, fundraising began in earnest including two balls being held. Over 50 people gave interest free loans and work began in 1989. The grand opening was held in September 1989 and play commenced!

The club grew and in 1990 a clubhouse was build to provide changing rooms, a kitchen area and a room for functions.

In 2017, the club was devastated by an arson attack that saw the original wooden clubhouse razed to the ground. Di Grove, chairperson at the time said "It's very upsetting that this has happened - we have built everything up over the years and the building had everything the club wanted and needed inside it." The members worked together to overcome this huge challenge and a new, purpose built clubhouse rose from the ashes.

In 2025 the bold decision was made to build a padel court. Opened as padel was starting to boom, it has taken the club forward and now we are preparing to build a second padel court in the summer of 2026.

From 1988 to 2026, all this has been made possible by committed volunteers at the club. The future looks exciting!