CLUB HISTORY
The Aberdare Tennis Club emerged in 1989 when Malcolm Evans and Elfed Bowen, both former members of the previous Aberdare Town Tennis Club, embarked on a mission to reintroduce club tennis to the Aberdare.
During the late 1950s and 1960s, two thriving tennis clubs flourished in the Aberdare vicinity, both boasting teams in the top tier of the Welsh League. The Aberaman Tennis Club was the first to disband, with many of its top players transitioning to the Aberdare Town Tennis Club, a private establishment that featured three grass and two hard courts. However, this club eventually ceased operations in the early 1970s, leaving a tennis void in the Aberdare area until the establishment of the present-day Aberdare Tennis Club in 1989. This new club found its home on the public tennis courts at Aberdare Park.
In its inaugural year, the club consisted of 11 adult members and 31 juniors, making use of only two macadam tennis courts. Fortunately, an additional tennis court was constructed in the subsequent season, expanding playing opportunities for more members. During the winter months, the Aberdare Tennis Club relocated indoors to the Michael Sobell Sports Centre in Aberdare. Initially attracting around 50 members per season, it wasn't until 1993 that the club officially affiliated with the South Wales LTA (Lawn Tennis Association) and entered a Men's Team into the South Wales Doubles League.
Membership numbers experienced significant fluctuations from year to year, making it challenging for the club to consistently field a team of six men. In 1998, a men's team participated in the South Wales Mid-Week League, easing the burden by requiring only two pairs. The club also engaged in the Summer Doubles League with a Men's team, and in the past, it had entered both a Men's Side and a Mixed Team into the Tennis Wales South-run Cymru Kitchens Autumn Doubles League, later rebranded as the Winter League.
The Aberdare Tennis Club's focus extended beyond Team Tennis, striving to cater to the needs of all its members. The Nestle's Ladder Competition for individuals under 17 gained popularity over the years, culminating in trophies, prizes, and certificates awarded during the Club's annual Awards Day. The club's young Nestle's Champions showcased their skills in the Nestle Knockout competition against champions from other clubs, achieving notable success. Gareth Williams, a talented left-handed player, triumphed over a competitor in this event who later represented Wales in tennis. The club's juniors also participated in the South Wales Junior League for two seasons, an experience that facilitated some juniors' advancement to the senior side.
The Penn Junior League subsequently replaced the South Wales Junior League, featuring two boys and two girls representing the club. Unfortunately, after a single season, the club had to withdraw from the league due to a lack of willing female competitors.
The Aberdare Club celebrated the conclusion of each season with gatherings at the Welsh National Tennis Centre. These occasions included indoor tennis matches, followed by a dip in the swimming pool, culminating in a shared meal and drinks. The club received a Sportslott Award, enabling a member named Helen Williams to train as a DCA Tennis Coach. This award also funded essential coaching equipment and facilitated Tennis Taster Evenings to attract more female and junior members. Although Helen has since moved on from the club, there are hopes of securing funding to train a new coach or assist in hiring a qualified one.
A number of members have participated in LTA Tournaments and emerged as division winners. Richard Smart stands out as the most successful tournament player in the club's history, clinching victory in his division of the Glynneath Tournament and the South Wales Closed tournament in three separate divisions. His triumphs included defeating players who went on to represent Wales in tennis. Leah Jones represented East Wales in a triangular event against other counties a few years ago, setting a positive example for other club members to follow.
The Aberdare Tennis Club continues to attract and retain members, surpassing the numbers of many other clubs in the valley. From its modest beginnings, the club has made remarkable progress and seems poised for a successful future.
For additional insights into the history of tennis in Aberdare, please refer to the following link:
Over the years, significant changes have transformed the tennis courts at the Aberdare Tennis Club. These changes include a complete resurfacing and a shift in court colours, resulting in the vibrant blue courts that grace the club today!