Saturday 11th February - 4-6pm Burgess Park, courts 4,5,6 (bring own balls and rackets)
What is Social Tennis?
The Club runs Social Tennis sessions for students who would like to play tennis, but who are not in the tennis team. This is where students of all abilities come to play tennis – from those who have just picked up a racket to the advanced! There are no formalities in Social Tennis, and you can literally just turn up to any session to play. It’s always a great atmosphere, with many of us just wanting to have a good time, although we do also organise competitions for our Social players too - you will almost always find someone suitable to play with! It’s a great way to get some physical exercise under your belt without having to commit every week. Huw (our Social Captain) will always be there to point in the right direction if you need any help. If you wish to ask him any questions then e-mail him on david.jeremy@kcl.ac.uk.
The Club books 4 tennis courts at Kennington Park (scroll to the bottom of this page for the map) on Wednesdays to hold Social Tennis sessions. When numbers are high, we book 5 courts, and occasionally additional courts at Vauxhall or Archbishop's Park on a sign-up basis.
When & Where is Social Tennis?
Kennington Park (click here for more details); 3-5pm. The closest tube station is Oval (northern line), and it’s about a 3 minute walk from there. See the bottom of this page for the map - the marker is where the tennis courts are located in the park.
Who can come to Social Tennis?
In terms of standard - anyone! People are often apprehensive about coming to Social Tennis because they’re ‘scared’ of embarrassing themselves, but it's no fun unless everyone makes a bit of a fool of themselves here! Check out photos we've taken during Social Tennis here, and there's way more on our Facebook Page.
Before you become a member, you are welcome to come for 2 taster sessions, just to try out what it's like. Thereafter, join the Tennis Club (£33 including insurance) and enjoy Social Tennis for the rest of the year for free! Follow this link, or go to any Student Union desk to join the Tennis Club.
What should I bring to Social Tennis?
Every session, you will be provided with tennis balls and spare tennis rackets. Generally we bring our own tennis racket, but if you don’t have one, we’re more than happy for you to use one of the club’s. Otherwise, you’re all raring and ready to go!
N.B. Last year, there was a £1 charge for every Social Tennis session you attended - you'll be glad to know that this has been scrapped for the new year! Once you have come to your taster sessions and paid membership, Social Tennis is free for the year.
Who’s in charge?
Huw is in charge of Social Tennis this year. He will be bringing tennis balls and spare rackets with him to the sessions, as well as answering any questions or concerns you may have. Huw will of course be joining in the tennis too - so if you fear having no-one to play with, there’s no need! Huw will also be organising matches against the Social Tennis sect of other universities for those who want a more competitive edge to things! Be sure to join our mailing list to get all the updates - http://eepurl.com/bJKN1. Is there any coaching?
The Tennis Club does offer coaching for beginners at Tennis, and these take place an hour before Social Tennis does - 2-3pm. See our Tennis4Beginners page for more details.
FAQs How do I know whether Tennis4Beginners/Social Tennis is still on when there is dodgy weather?
If Tennis4Beginners/Social Tennis is going to be cancelled because of bad weather, we will announce this on our Twitter page - http://twitter.com/kcltennis. The decision will be made at 1pm so check back then to see if it's still on.
Do I have to come every week? No - once you are a member of the club, of course we’d like you to come as often as possible! But there is no obligation to come every week, which is one of the great perks about Social Tennis - you can come as you please.
Why £33 for Tennis membership? Tennis courts are expensive to hire in London (as you might have guessed), and we book these throughout term time. We also provide the tennis balls, which we make sure to change every 2 sessions. It also contributes to social nights out!
What if I’m not good enough? Again - we can’t say this enough, but nobody will judge you for your tennis here! In fact, it’s a place for people to start building their confidence in their tennis.
Can I play competitively too in Social Tennis? Social Tennis is doing more to give its members more opportunities to play competitively. Huw is co-ordinating matches against Imperial and UCL's Social Tennis (the last being against Imperial in November 2011) for 2012. We also held our inaugural internal Social Tennis Tournament - the Wish2Play Open - which was very enjoyable for all those involved. The Club is looking to organise a doubles tournament too in the new term.
What if I’m late? There’s no such thing as being ‘late’ to Social Tennis. Just turn up any time between 3-5pm and you’ll be able to play tennis.
NB Only Vauxhall Park for 26/10/2011
*Social Tennis sign-up at Vauxhall Park or Archishop's Park for 26/10/2011* To sign-up for Social Tennis at either Vauxhall Park or Archbishop's Park next Wednesday (26th October) from 3-5PM, please e-mail the Club at kcltennisclub@gmail.com. You can either sign-up individually or as a group (maximum 4), and you will have the court to yourselves throughout the session. In the e-mail, please specify whether you'd like to play at Vauxhall or Archbishop's, and if applying as an individual, please tell us what kind of tennis standard you're at so that we can match suitable players together. There is no extra charge for booking these courts, but you do have to be a member to sign-up. Please tell us promptly lest the courts get booked out! Vauxhall Park: closest station Vauxhall (2 stops from Oval) Archbishop's Park: closest station Waterloo
