Frequently Asked Questions
If you can’t find an answer to your question here, please contact us
Q: Do I need to be a member to play at Holford Drive?
A: No. You can hire a court for just £6 per hour as a non-member, or join any of our coaching sessions or exercise classes on a Pay As You Go basis. We provide the rackets and balls for the group sessions as well, so it’s easy and cheap to give it a go. Our membership packages work out at the equivalent of only £5 a month for an individual (annual subscription fee).
Q: Do I need my own racket for a coaching or fitness session?
A: No. You are welcome to bring your own, but we have a selection of rackets of different sizes for all ages and abilities that you can borrow free of charge for the session. If you are hiring a court for private play, you will need to bring your own equipment.
Q: My child is older but has never played, which mini tennis session should they go into?
A: All abilities can be catered for at any age. If you’re not sure which session to come to, text or call our coach and we will work out what’s best for you.
Q: I don’t know the rules of tennis or how to play a game, can I still come and play?
A: Of course! We welcome players of all abilities. You are welcome to hire a court to have a "knock around". We would recommend you join one of our beginners coaching group sessions if you want to learn the game. These are based on getting the basics right; how to hold the racket, hand eye coordination, agility, how to do the basic shots like forehand, backhand and volley. You can start using slower tennis balls until you are more confident. It might take a few months or even years to be ready for a full game, but you will feel the benefits right away!
Q: How do I use the floodlights?
A: Tokens are available to members from the Sports Hub reception at £2 each for 30 minutes light. Each court has a slot machine with a timer. Since our Hub is run by volunteers, the opening hours are sometimes variable, so best to call before you arrive just in case.
Q: Can I bring my children to play at Holford?
A: Of course, we are a family friendly venue and children are welcome to join, but please show some respect and courtesy for others who may be trying to concentrate on a game. Wherever possible, please choose a court away from other games, and please don’t allow your children to walk or run across the back of a court where others are playing.
Q: I can play tennis but don’t have a hitting partner at the moment; how can I meet other players?
A: Why not come to one of our mix-in sessions or group coaching sessions, or ask our coach, who will be happy to introduce you to other players at the club. Or you could post a request for a game on our facebook group.
Q: How much does membership cost?
A: £60 per year for an individual, £30 per year for under 18s, £150 per year for a family (up to 2 adults and 2 children living at the same address, £15 per additional child)
Q: What is your Bad weather policy
A: Coaching sessions will continue in light rain/wind and cold weather and will only be cancelled in the event of heavy, constant rain making the courts unplayable due to safety. In the event of heavy constant rain forecast, a cancellation decision will be made by the coach no later than 30 minutes before the start of a session and the session cost will be refunded.
If a session is stopped due to bad weather more than half way through, no alternatives or refunds will be offered, but participants are asked to be understanding since the British weather is very hard to predict! If due to bad weather the session has to be stopped less than half way through, participants are offered either:
-
The opportunity to attend a class running on another day of the week if places are available
-
A credit note for a future session
Q: Who do I talk to if I have any concerns or complaints?
A: Please raise any issues with our chair, Eugene Codrington, holforddrivetennisclub@gmail.com