Statement issued by Tom Vinall, Centre Manager & Head Coach, at 1630 on 14/05/2020.
I’m pleased to announce that as a result of the lifting of certain restrictions in England from Wednesday we are now able to open 3 of our outdoor tennis courts in a limited way from tomorrow Friday 15/05/2020. The courts will be open for singles court bookings only (with some exceptions detailed below). Group coaching & social club play sessions will not be returning at this stage.
In order to make outdoor court use as safe as possible for both you and others we have put in place strict measures to ensure we are adhering to government guidelines around social distancing and hygiene.
Before considering booking a court I’d ask that you read our ‘Outdoor Tennis at ARC During Lockdown’ user guide which sets out exactly how we will be running for the foreseeable future and what restrictions will be in place. I also recommend you read the LTA’s ‘Guidance for Tennis Players’.
Whilst I am now working, the remainder of our staff remain furloughed and I am working from home meaning that the site will often be unmanned. I should be available on my mobile or email however if you have any questions or concerns.
I have taken the liberty of answering a few potential FAQ’s below but if you have any other specific questions please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Booking Your Court – You can book your court via the normal ClubSpark booking sheet which can be access here.
New Tennis Balls – New Tennis balls can be ordered at least 24 hours in advance of your visit here.
1:1 Coaching Lessons – 1:1 Tennis coaching sessions will now be permitted with ARC Approved Coaches as long as they strictly adhere to the LTA’s ‘Guidance for Tennis Coaches’ around social distancing. As the coaches deliver 1:1’s on a self-employed basis it will be a personal decision for each coach as to whether they choose to resume to offer this service at this stage. To see which of our coaches usually offer individual lessons and their contact details click here.
Badminton Members – Whilst the Badminton courts remain closed we have made the Outdoor Tennis Courts free of charge to all paying Badminton members to use as they wish.
Paused Subscriptions – If you opted to pause your membership subscription at the start of April and would now like to un-pause it so that you are able to play again please reply to this email and let me know. I’ll then be able to easily reactivate your subscription and ClubSpark membership profile.
Non-Member Fees - Non-Member fees will still be payable for each non-member you play with on a court booked in your name (£3.00 per adult, £1.00 per child). Please place these fees into the ARC post box next to the temp clubhouse when you play.
Spectating – This is to be discouraged. Only people who are participating should attend ARC.
I’m looking forward to welcoming you all back to the centre in due course.
Tom Vinall
Centre Manager & Head Coach
Atlantic Racquet Centre