Mansfield’s tennis club bids to attract players but £140,000 clubhouse stays out of bounds

The Mansfield Lawn Tennis Club has slashed its membership rates in half to attract people to play the sport which is now allowed under current lock down easing of coronavirus restrictions.

The Pheasant Hill, Chesterfield Road club’s new £140,000 clubhouse, which opened last September, is still out of bounds to members.

There will also be no competitive matches this summer.

Membership secretary Helen Riby said: “Tennis is one of the few participative sports that is allowed under the current lockdown restrictions.

“At the same time, many people in Mansfield are facing huge financial uncertainties. We didn’t want our membership fees to be a barrier to people talking up tennis. Indeed we really want to encourage people to come and try our sport.

“You don’t have to be an experienced player to join. There are no tests to pass. Everyone is welcome whatever their ability or their age. We have members form as young as four to those who are in their 80s.”

All the tennis courts at Pheasant Hill are now open for singles and doubles play.

She added “The five all-weather courts and four grass courts means there are plenty of opportunities to play and coaching has also resumed although groups are limited to five (plus the coach) to keep within Government guidelines.

“Unfortunately the club’s new £140,000 clubhouse, which opened last September, is currently out of bounds and there will be no competitive matches this summer, which frees up all the courts for social play. To my mind there’s never been a better time to try our fabulous sport.”

Adult membership at the club is now £80 when paid in full via the club’s website. Junior memberships now starts at £12.50 and there are further reduced rates for seniors and families. There are also options for new members to spread the cost via smaller monthly payments. To join the club membership runs until April, 30, 20

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