20/03/20 - Update

Update Issued by Tom Vinall Centre Manager 13:40 on 20/03/20

New LTA & Government Guidance – Tennis ‘safe to play’ - The Department of Culture, Media and Sport has specifically advised the LTA that ‘tennis is in fact one of the best examples of social distancing in practice, and so should be encouraged as long as the guidance permits’. Tennis is also specifically identified as currently being a sport that is ok to play in this BBC news article. Guidance with regard to advised social distancing measures (defined by Public Health England as spending no more than 15 minutes and not within a 2-metre distance talking to someone) is provided on the Government website: Government advice: Social Distancing

You can read the full LTA guidance to venues here.

Individual Tennis & Badminton Lessons – Whilst the group coaching programme will stop from Saturday onwards our excellent team of coaches will still be offering Individual lessons Both (1-to-1 and 1-to-2) throughout this period whilst government advice still allows them to do so.  With their usual coaching hours all cancelled the team should have lots of availability to allow as many of you as possible to keep playing and keep accessing coaching during the Covid-19 period. We’re aware that individual lessons can be expensive – if you’re worried about the cost we recommend sharing a lesson with somebody as a 1-to-2 to half the cost. Lessons can be booked and arranged by contacting the coach directly. For more information, pricing and contact details click here.

Extra Court Availability – As a result of the mass cancellation of the majority of our racquets programme and its knock-on effect on staff hours I am pleased to announce that we have been able to increase our court booking availability meaning that both members and non-members will now be able to book Tennis & Badminton courts from 10am – 9pm 7 days a week until further notice. The extension represents a marked expansion of Badminton availability and also the addition of weekend Tennis availability without requiring an indoor court induction. However like all changes in the current climate I must stress that this is subject to further notice and could change at any time as the situation develops.

Arrange a Safe Game Facebook Group – Don’t forget that if you’re looking for a safe game of Tennis or Badminton over the next few weeks you can join our special ARC members Facebook group by clicking here.