Urgent Appeal to Protect Our South London Tennis Club: Courts at Risk This Winter

Nestled behind Worcester Park railway station lies a community-centric tennis club that encourages parents to take up a racket and join their children on the courts, rather than waiting in their cars. However, Worcester Park Tennis Club, a volunteer-run establishment that has served the local community for over 105 years, now faces a precarious future due to its ageing courts. Chris Hoskins, a coach at the club, noted, “We don’t have a lot of parents pulling up outside like David Lloyd. The parents stay and play with the kids.” Currently, the club supports around 100 young tennis players from the local area, but it fears that without raising £35,000 to resurface its two hard courts, it will struggle to attract new talent and nurture the stars of tomorrow.

Community Focus and Affordable Access

Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Chris expressed his concerns while standing on the club’s beloved yet uneven courts: “If we lose this, there is a 100 per cent guarantee some children in this local area will not try out tennis.” Unlike larger commercial tennis clubs, Worcester Park remains dedicated to offering an affordable environment where families can enjoy the sport without the additional burden of steep membership fees or long-term commitments. The club provides flexible coaching sessions that can be booked on an individual basis, thus removing a significant barrier that often prevents newcomers from engaging with the sport. Chris commented, “In other clubs, you have to pay a lot of money to find out you don’t actually like tennis.”

Parents like Naomi Walker appreciate this approach, highlighting that the club’s structure offers greater flexibility in a sport frequently perceived as expensive and inaccessible. “It is not this big onerous commercial enterprise,” she stated. “This place proves tennis is not only for privileged kids.” Club member Sue Hardy echoed this sentiment, noting, “Our membership is very family-friendly compared with other clubs. That keeps people here.” This unique approach is believed to set the club apart in an area renowned for being family-oriented.

Building Future Tennis Stars

The club, which boasts a membership spanning all ages, with its oldest member being 75, proudly showcases its junior programme as a key success. Through regular sessions and popular summer camps, it has cultivated a vibrant group of young players, many of whom walk to the club from nearby residences. Twelve-year-old Chloe Fourie, who has been coached by Chris since she was ten, expressed her excitement for the summer ahead, saying, “I have learnt a lot playing here. Chris makes it fun.” The club has ambitious plans for its growing junior programme, with two young players currently competing in the Play Your Way to Wimbledon tournament. “It is just the dream of it that gets them excited,” Chris remarked, jokingly adding, “If anyone becomes a champion, I want some of that prize money because I started them on that course.”

Chris is also keen to encourage female participation in tennis, noting that many girls tend to drop out of the sport as they grow older. “Girls sometimes drop away from the sport, which is such a shame,” he lamented. Naomi and fellow parent Assiya Farrell both highlighted the positive effects the club has had on their children, with Naomi stating, “The club has transformed my weekend; it’s like I have a different child now.” For many members, the club represents the launchpad for a lifelong relationship with tennis, with committee member Carol Rhia commenting, “When you go to Wimbledon, it is great, but this is proper grassroots tennis. Where it all starts.” Chris added, “Champions always start out somewhere, often in a smaller club like this. We must not forget that.”

The Urgent Need for Court Resurfacing

Founded in 1921 by First World War veterans seeking health, camaraderie, and community, Worcester Park Tennis Club is part of the wider Worcester Park Athletic Club, which also includes football and cricket teams. Despite its rich history, the declining condition of its two courts now poses a significant threat to the club’s future. The courts were last resurfaced approximately 30 years ago and are now exhibiting considerable and potentially hazardous signs of wear. Both courts are marked by uneven patch repairs from previous attempts to prolong their usability, while nearby tree roots from the railway line are pushing upwards, creating dangerous bumps for players. Chris remarked, “It needs resurfacing. It has already been patched more than once,” adding that the patched areas can become slippery when wet. “Another winter and it will not be safe for kids,” he warned.

The club has obtained a quote of £35,000 to completely resurface both courts, a project that would also involve digging a trench to prevent roots from re-emerging beneath the new surface. In response to this urgent need, the club launched a fundraising campaign last month, which has so far raised nearly £4,000 through a local open day, support from residents, and an online fundraising initiative. They have garnered vocal backing from local MPs and Sutton councillors, and are actively seeking partnerships with local businesses and organisations within the tennis community. Additionally, the club is pursuing grant funding to help offset the costs of the resurfacing work. “It doesn’t matter how much help you give,” Chris stated. “As long as we get help, these courts can survive. I will be happily dead and buried, and there will still be people coming here.”