Poulton tennis club helps community get active with generous free memberships

St Chad's Tennis Club on Vicarage Road, which first opened in 1928, saw its memberships increase from 35 pre-lockdown to 152.

The club's committee decided to offer memberships for free, after becoming concerned about the isolation and struggles the Covid-19 lockdown may have brought to the community.

Tracy Dewhurst, vice chairman and trustee at the club, said: "Last year we had fewer women and juniors at the club, but now we have at least 15 new families who have joined us.

"It's been amazing to see so many people enjoying the courts again. We want to encourage more people to take up tennis, especially during a time when our health is so important."

Thornton mum Sarah Porter returned to the tennis club with her partner Neil and their three young sons, after nearly 10 years away from the courts.

Miss Porter, a PE teacher at St Mary's Catholic Academy, said she was thrilled to be able to encourage her sons Rory, seven, Patrick, five and Fergus, two to play tennis and keep them active during lockdown.

"I'd been thinking about returning for a while, but it can be hard with a two-year-old," Sarah said.

"I'm really glad we've been able to go as a family, it's good for the boys' hand-eye coordination too.

"Playing tennis has helped us to get out and about while they were off school and stuck at home.

"I've also been going to ladies' socials on Monday nights, which has been a great way to meet people and help with fitness as well."

For membership enquiries, email [email protected]​ .