Dear Members We hope you remain inspired by the fortnight of Wimbledon 2022, and as it's still strawberry season, here goes with our summer newsletter. The courts seem very popular and we have really enjoyed welcoming new members to club nights.
Some of the older juniors are now becoming actively involved in senior tennis which is wonderful to see - we have U18's now regularly at men's and ladies nights. A pairing of 14 year olds who entered the mixed club champs are now through to the quarter finals so the juniors are keeping us all on our toes!
This newsletter has plenty in it and features: New members and Rookie Racquets Court booking Club Championships latest Ladies and Men's Captain's updates Farnham Common Winter League - Final call for volunteer Coaches corner WhatsApp group reminders Reminder on behaviour and noise
Your FCTC Committee
New members and Rookie Racquets
A warm welcome to all our new members, please see the note below about Rookie racquets. Don't forget to contact Stephen Wright, our Head coach, about your free group session, so he can help you and when he sees you play, advise how you will fit into the activities the club has on offer. [email protected] Tel: +44 7946 491 696
Rookie racquets
We have recently formed a new group called Rookie Racquets. As relatively new players ourselves, we know it can be a little daunting when playing against others for the first time. The purpose of Rookie Raquets is for like-minded new players, or those returning after a long time, to get together and improve in a non-competitive, sociable environment. So if you know the basics and need to shape up your serve or your returns are a bit rusty - this group could be for you.
We currently meet on court every Sunday between 1 and 3pm. It’s suitable for all ages, you’ll get to play against others who like you, are looking to improve their skills and have some fun along the way. It’s a great way to meet other club members and find out about the social activities on offer. Members of the group also arrange games between themselves using our Rookie Racquets WhatsApp group.
If you are interested in joining the group, please contact Judy D’Arcy [email protected]. We look forward to meeting and playing with you.
Editor note - thank you so much Judy for your time and effort it's great to see so many players improving their tennis.
Ladies and Men's Captains updates
Ladies Captain Update as of 24th July: Match report – Ladies 2 have played 5, won 4 and lost 1 in lowest division of League. Ladies 1 are in Division 8, have played 5 and won 5, 4 of which were 8-0 wins! All the Ladies in L1 and L2 doing very well.
If you have any questions on ladies tennis our Ladies Captain Maggie can be contacted, via [email protected]
Men's Captain
Update as of 24th July – 3 games so far this summer. 2 losses and one draw against Burnham.
If you have any questions on men's tennis our captain Andy can be contacted via [email protected]
General: Please don't forget that we run a singles ladder open for all members over 14. Matches can be played on your own time and it's a good way to meet other members. If you want to find out more or get involved please contact Andy on the email address above.
Farnham Common Winter League - Final call
If anyone is able to take over running the FCWL ( a mixed winter league for 4 players of any age) this would be much appreciated. The league is very popular with other local clubs, and is good fun.
Krysia has run it very successfully for many years and we are extremely grateful to her. She can explain more about it [email protected]. 07941 848148
It brings in about £500 a year in entry fees to the club and other clubs are already asking what’s happening this year. So if you think you can do it, even if only for this year, let us know or talk to Krysia.
County is unable to take it over, so it would be lovely if one of you would offer. You don’t need to captain our teams, just get the entries in from other clubs and sort them into divisions based on last year's performance, Krysia can help with this. Look forward to hearing from you!
Court Booking
Please remember to book your courts on the Fastcourt system when you are playing. It is really helpful for us to keep track of usage especially as we look towards fundraising for floodlights on more courts in the years to come.
Club Championships update
Club champs matches are well underway. With summer holiday season now upon us, please do your utmost to complete your matches within the deadline that Andy shared with you on your round. The first rounds of the mixed and men's singles were all mostly played by the 17th so we're into the quarter finals on those already.
Well done to everyone who is playing in this HEAT and remember to keep Sunday 4th September free in your diary for finals day!
Coaches' Corner
The Tuesday evening adult coaching has been well received and we will restart again in the new term.
Our junior league matches are taking place as usual now that Covid restrictions have been lifted and these are permitted. We have withdrawn our 12/U girls team as we have two injuries meaning the players cannot play. Our 12/U boys and 16/U boys matches are going well with some narrow losses. Our 18/U girls team is currently top of the table well done to them all.
If anyone is interested in having a look at our junior team league tables please click on the link below:
With summer underway the camps are just starting up see details below. Note a discount of 25% off our Summer Camps if you attend the full week and invite a friend who also attends the full week. You receive 25% off or free membership each!
For all coaching enquires please contact [email protected] directly.
The term time adult sessions restart w/c 12th September. We have numerous options for adults to take part in tennis session each week during the term which includes week day morning sessions, week day evening sessions as well as weekend sessions. Please see a list of our Autumn classes below:
There are 11 classes every single week that you can take part in if you wish. We have a multi class discount too if you would like to attend more than one session each week. Just ask if you would like any further information.
Whatsapp groups
In the meantime for all of you new members, don't forget that there are a set of other WhatsApp groups used to co-ordinate all the club related sessions that you can ask to be added to. Please contact the members below and ask to be added into the appropriate group - note the admin for some of the groups has changed. There is also some great tennis related chat on the groups too!
Ladies Club Night is Monday from 6pm - contact Maggie Southerden 07719 677985 Mixed Club Night is Wednesday from 6pm - contact Aman Kohli 07966 317723 Men's Club Night is Thursday from 6pm - contact Andy Davidson 07809 641880 Wednesday afternoon social tennis is at 2pm - contact Gill Prout [email protected] Sunday morning social tennis is at 10.30am - contact Gill Prout [email protected] Weekday lunchtime group for arranging informal play - contact Andy Davidson 07809 641880 Rookie Racquets - group is run by Judy D'Arcy see information above
Behaviour Policy reminder
With the heat we know some of you are playing quite early in the morning. Please do be aware that noise does travel and we need to ensure no disturbance to our neighbours before 9am.
FC Tennis club is a friendly community club. We would like to remind everyone that we do have policies in place to ensure safety and discipline, they apply to both Juniors and Seniors. If you click on the image below you'll be taken to the club website where you can see the Safeguarding Policy, our Diversity and Inclusion Policy and the Whistleblowing Policy, including a link for raising concerns directly with the LTA. Our policies are reviewed regularly.
And finally! As always, do look on the facebook group for the latest news and why not share some pictures yourselves https://www.facebook.com/groups/2363389568 Stay safe and see you on the courts. FCTC Committee.