Welcome to tennis for Young Players (ages 11-18) at Corbridge Tennis Club. This page will help you and your young player find the best way to get involved, whether they're just starting out, looking to improve and have fun, or have competitive ambitions. We aim to provide a welcoming, safe, and supportive environment for all.

A Quick Guide for Different Age Groups:

For Younger Teens (Typically Ages 11-14): At this age, the focus is often on building a solid foundation on the full-size court, developing all-round skills, and enjoying tennis as a social and active sport. Our Junior Yellow Ball sessions (see coaching details below) are a great fit. Club membership (Junior U16) allows access to our convenient online court booking system for practice with friends and family.

For Older Teens (Typically Ages 15-18): As young players mature, opportunities can expand. This may include more advanced coaching, greater independence in arranging social play, and pathways towards more competitive tennis if desired. The Student Membership (for those 16-18 in full-time education) offers full adult playing benefits, including potential integration into some adult social sessions or teams (with parental consent for U18s). Our online court booking system remains a key benefit for independent play.

Now, let's explore what you or your young player might be looking for from tennis at Corbridge:

New to Tennis or Learning the Ropes?

It's never too late to start. Corbridge Tennis Club welcomes young players who are new to the sport or have limited experience. Our aim is to provide a fun and encouraging introduction.

• Beginner-Friendly Coaching: Our coaching is suitable for newcomers.
  • The Junior Yellow Ball (Ages 10+, including 11-16) sessions cater to various abilities. Our Saturday programme is currently under review, with a new programme launching in the Autumn. Please visit the Coaching Page for the latest information.
  • These sessions focus on mastering fundamental strokes (serve, forehand, backhand, volley), understanding basic rules, and enjoying rallying in a supportive group.
• Practice Makes Perfect: A Junior U16 or Student Membership gives access to our easy-to-use online court booking system. This means young players can book courts to practice with friends or family outside of coached sessions - a great advantage of club membership.
• Equipment: For initial sessions, rackets can often be borrowed (please confirm availability when booking). Comfortable sportswear and trainers are all that's needed to begin.

Developing Your Game & Playing Socially?

For young players who know the basics and want to improve their skills, play more regularly, and enjoy the social side of tennis, the club offers several avenues:

• Coaching for Skill Development:
  • The Junior Yellow Ball (Ages 10+, including 11-16) sessions help players refine techniques, learn about game tactics, and improve consistency. Please see the Coaching Page for the latest programme details.
• Enjoying Social Tennis at the Club:
  • Online Court Booking: With your Junior U16 or Student Membership, our online system makes it simple to book courts for friendly matches or practice sessions with other members. This is a fantastic feature of our club.
  • Connecting with Peers: Ask about club WhatsApp groups or other ways to connect with young players of a similar age/ability to arrange games.
  • Adult Social Sessions (for Older/Able Teens): Experienced young players (typically 16+, or younger if of a strong standard) may be invited to participate in some adult social tennis sessions (see Club Schedule for timings). This is a great way to gain experience, but please speak with session organisers or our coaching team first. (Note: Written parental consent is required for U18s in adult sessions - see Student Membership details).
• Fun Club Events: We occasionally host social events or informal tournaments which are great for meeting other young players.

Interested in Competitive Tennis?

If you or your young player is keen to take their tennis to a more competitive level, Corbridge Tennis Club can support this development:

• Developing for Competition:
  • Consistent, focused coaching is key. This will work on advanced techniques, match strategy, mental preparedness, and fitness.
  • Regular practice, utilising our online court booking, is also essential.
• Team Tennis Opportunities:
  • While our primary club teams are adult-focused, there can be opportunities for skilled and committed older young players (usually 16+, sometimes younger based on ability) to be considered for adult team squads. This is subject to selection and parental consent for U18s.
  • Enquire with the club about any specific Junior Inter-Club matches or competitions that may be running.
  • "Team Practice" sessions for adults (see Schedule) may sometimes be open to talented young players by invitation.
• Club Tournaments: Participate in any internal club championships or tournaments to gain valuable match experience against a variety of players.

If competitive tennis is a serious goal, it's important to discuss this pathway with our coaching team or a relevant club contact (see Contacts Page).

Membership & Safety for Young Players

To participate in club activities, including coaching, young players will need either a Junior U16 Membership or, for those 16-18 in full-time education, a Student Membership.

The safety and well-being of our young players are very important to us. All coaching is by DBS-checked, LTA-accredited professionals, and we adhere to LTA safeguarding guidelines. We encourage you to review our Safeguarding Policy here.