Cwmbran Tennis Club has launched a crowdfunder to resurface three of its six courts so it can “handle the demand” from people wanting to play.
The club, based in the grounds of Greenmeadow Golf Club, has 171 members – 114 adults and 47 juniors.
Chairman and treasurer Ian Harris said the oldest courts now need urgent work.
“Courts one to three have an artificial grass surface that’s been down for more than 20 years. It’s starting to look threadbare. We’ve got a drainage issue so in the winter, when we get a lot of rain, the drainage pores are blocked, so everything bubbles up comes through the courts and then you get, it’s like gunk and it makes it very slippery, potentially a safety hazard.
“So they’ve come to the end of their life, so we need to resurface them.”
Courts four to six were resurfaced four years ago with TigerTurf, and the club plans to use the same product again.
They have a shortfall of £15,000 with a grant they have from Sport Wales. The club has received support from the sports body over the years, including funding for new floodlights and LED upgrades.
‘Optimistic’
Ian said he’s “optimistic” they’ll reach the target.
He said: “We haven’t got the capacity to handle the demand. The difference would be [more] availability for members and pay-and-play (where members of the public can book and pay for courts).
“Because we’re an LTA-registered club, the courts have to be up to a certain standard and maintained, so we want to make sure we comply with that,” he added.
Head coach Patrick Wilson runs sessions for all ages and abilities, with teams competing in a south Wales league.
A popular session is cardio tennis.
“We have something on for everyone. We also do a class called cardio tennis which is like an introduction to tennis where if you haven’t picked up a tennis racket before, you’ll hit a lot of tennis balls.
“It’s all done to music, tennis-related exercise, side-stepping, forehand, backhands. It doesn’t matter if the ball goes in or goes out, it’s basically just getting your heart rate up and keeping you moving.
‘Tots tennis’
“We’ve also got a tots tennis class, which is as young as we go. They start about at the age of three and a half, four which takes place on a Saturday.”
The club also runs a regular session for pupils with learning difficulties from nearby Crownbridge School.
Pat said: “It’s a fantastic location, it’s nice. It’s peaceful. It’s a great set-up. Having those courts resurfaced would be a huge asset to the club.
“I think it’s a great sport because you can do it no matter what age. You’re outside, fresh air, it’s great, it’s a sport for life.”
Make a donation
You can donate to Cwmbran Tennis Club’s fundraiser here.