Welcome to Old Wilsonians' Tennis Club
Commanding views from the top of Hayes Hill (see map) and with adjacent open land, our small and friendly club provides a haven in commuter-belt suburbia. At the same time, being part of the wider Old Wilsonians family of sports clubs means that we enjoy unparalleled facilities and support, including the services of a full-time resident groundsman. We welcome new members, young or old, of all standards, and our Diversity & Inclusion policy means everyone is treated fairly.
A recently introduced coaching programme by a fully qualified LTA coach is available for those who wish to get the best out of their game, irrespective of age or standard. Providing a safe and encouraging tennis environment is very important to this club. And ensuring that children and youngsters remain safe and protected is a key priority. We have a range of Health & Safety policies and Safeguarding policies to ensure we achieve these aims. To see details of our Colts membership for youngsters please click here.
As a club we strive hard to meet all the differing needs of our members, and have an enthusiastic management committee to achieve this. We care what our members think, and have published management-related policies to ensure that the club is operated and managed in ways that are open, responsive and accountable.
Please click here to see a complete list of policies.
The club has been awarded LTA Clubmark status. In achieving the standards for Clubmark accreditation we have taken many important steps forward in the development and long-term sustainability of our club. Clubmark accreditation effectively says to prospective members that our coaching programme is a quality product. It also confirms that the club’s management is professional and that proper safeguards for the safety and well-being of members, particularly youngsters, are in place and working effectively. It also acknowledges that we have firm plans for the future and are effective in delivering against those plans.
We have six carpet courts and one hard court, all floodlit, and all the benefits of a members-only clubhouse with a well stocked licensed bar. There is something to enjoy all year round, both on and off the court.
As a player at the Old Wilsonians Lawn Tennis Club you will also become a member of a wider family of sports clubs. Indoor sports such as squash and racketball are available, as well as football and cricket. All of the other sports clubs will welcome new members of all ages, whatever your standard. Please ask if you would like further information about membership fees for any of those sports.
If you wish to play tennis, or any of the other sports mentioned, there is certain to be something for you at Old Wilsonians – whether you are a beginner or an experienced player.
Here is what some of our newer members have recently had to say about us:
“Having tried out the club on a few Monday evenings, I would definitely like to become a member. The guys I have played with seem a really nice bunch and the club has a friendly but competitive, atmosphere” (new adult member 2013)
“My son has recently achieved the very top tennis rating possible for a 9 year old in the UK. He is expected to finish the summer 2013 tennis season high up on the overall Kent leader board and in the top 20 for SE England. He began playing tennis at Hawes Down Infant School under the scheme in place with Jake Johnson at Old Wilsonians. I cannot speak highly enough of the work Jake does in teaching tennis to the younger children from Hawes Down and beyond. “ (Colt member)
History
Please click here if you’d like to know a bit more about the history of the club.
Tennis Programme
We provide a wide range of coaching and competitive opportunities. Whatever your age, if you are just starting to learn or are an experienced player looking to improve your game we cater for your needs. Our Diversity and Inclusion policy ensures that everyone is treated fairly and with respect.
Coaching
Jacob Johnson, Head Coach, RAW Tennis
With over sixteen years of experience, a passion to teach and wonderful enthusiasm for the game Jacob has successfully ensured RAW Tennis has fast become one of Kent’s foremost tennis coaching choices – offering group and private coaching programmes for juniors from as young as four years old to adults, incorporating both novice and intermediate players.
Jacob previously coached at the Parklangley club and Sundridge Park LTC before taking a permanent residency at Old Wilsonians in 2013 where he officially launched RAW Tennis. Much of his coaching today focuses on development work with youngsters, bringing them through to team and county level especially with juniors in the Mini Red, Mini Orange and Mini Green categories.
Jacob runs school initiatives where he provides free coaching for children during Spring and Summer terms and optional after-school programmes at Hayes, Pickhurst and Wickham Common in addition to Raglan where he also holds a position all year round for both curriculum and the after-school club.
RAW Tennis programs for adults and children run during term-time and the super popular junior multi-sports camps are held when schools are out. Membership of the Old Wilsonians is compulsory for Juniors to join the programme. Coaching sessions cost from just £5 for 45 minutes and £6.60 for 60 minutes. Adults can join the programme as non-members although membership is encouraged – they can then benefit from the perks available within a wider multi-sports club. Individual coaching is £25 per hour and for more than two people from £30. All of the coaches are licenced, qualified, DBS checked and hold relevant first aid qualifications.
To enquire about coaching at OWLTC
please contact bookings@rawtennis.co.uk or call 07563 603822
RAW Tennis at OWLTC, Hayes Hill, Hayes, Bromley, Kent, BR2 7HN
www.rawtennis.co.uk
www.facebook.com/rawtenniskent
@rawtenniskent
Junior Tennis
Historically most of our juniors have come from coaching initiatives or were introduced to tennis by parents who were members of the club. Junior members have priority use of the hard courts most of the time. There are junior coaching programmes on Thursday and Friday evenings and Saturday mornings.
We actively encourage our more experienced junior members to join in adult tournaments and adult club sessions to assist in their development. This helps to prepare them for to play in inter-club matches, both friendly and league games, when they are ready and keen to do so.
Competitions and Social
If you have a competitive streak you might wish to consider playing in one of our teams in inter-club competitions. We enter Men’s, Ladies’ and Mixed teams in the North Kent League as well as some teams in the Kent League. We have a Veterans’ team too.
We play regular inter-club friendly matches and run a singles box league for members. These allow us to ensure there is good competition, whatever your standard.
We hold regular club tournaments. Whilst the annual Club Tournament attracts our more serious players, most of the other tournaments are largely intended for fun. For example, the George Rice trophy is a mixed doubles competition completed on one day, where the combined ages of the 2 players must be at least 100. The Handicap Tournament includes singles, doubles and mixed, and the handicaps applied make the matches more competitive, giving everybody a chance. This encourages wider participation and helps members to meet and play with others who they might not usually see or play with.
Alternatively, if you are looking to play just for fun – to get some exercise and enjoy the fresh air – you’ll be able to come along to our club sessions. These take place every Tuesday afternoon from 1:30pm and Saturday afternoon from 2 p.m . There is also a mixed doubles club session on a Friday evening from 7pm. Play consists of short matches played with other club members on a rotating basis. Organising regular American tournaments at these sessions provides an alternative structure at these club sessions. Afterwards you can retire to the bar for drinks and a chat.
Tennis balls are provided free of charge and floodlighting (when needed) is a nominal £1 charge.
ITF World Tennis Number
The ITF World Tennis Number is a new rating system for all tennis players across the world which will make it easier for everyone who plays tennis in Britain to organise and play against opponents of a similar standard.
Whether you’re playing at Wimbledon (we can dream), or just meeting a friend to play matches at Old Wilsonians’ (much more likely), everyone’s welcome – and everyone will have their own World Tennis Number.
Intrigued and want to find out more?
See more info about the ITF World Tennis Number here
The Old Wilsonians' Association and the Old Wilsonians' Lawn Tennis Club (OWLTC) are not-for-profit organisations.
