Be Part of the First Real Tennis National Open Event
The Real Tennis National Open Event is a new T&RA initiative that aims to introduce new players to the game with lessons, special matches, activities, exhibitions and more being held at clubs across the country.
The T&RA invites you to participate in a brand new initiative called the Real Tennis National Open Event that aims to introduce new players to the sport by bringing every club across the country together to showcase our great game.
The event will take place from 2nd to 5th October, with clubs free to decide whether they focus their activity on a single day or over a couple of days. A mix of Professional-led introductory lessons, unique matches, exhibitions, on-court workshops, drinks receptions and more will be on show at all participating UK clubs.
The University of Cambridge Real Tennis Club will host the lead event at its Grange Road courts, with the day culminating in a competitive (but fun) match that sees the best current crop of undergraduates take on the leading players from years gone by. Cambridge University alumnus, keen Real Tennis player and Patron of The Tennis & Rackets Association, His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh, will be on hand to offer some tips to aspiring newcomers.
It is vital that we safeguard the game for future generations by introducing new players, so PLEASE support this initiative by bringing along a friend, family member, colleague or anyone who may be interested in learning more about Real Tennis.
The T&RA will be offering free 25/26 season Associate Membership to brand new players as a further incentive to bring as many new people to the game as possible!
BRISTOL
Stay tuned for details on a big event planned to take place on Sunday, 12 October.
CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY MATCH
Thursday, 2 October: Major day-long university match featuring circa 40 current undergraduates and alumni; evening exhibition match featuring the Giddins brothers. HRH Prince Edward to attend, details tba.
CANFORD
Saturday, 4 October: Morning open session aimed at families of pupils at the school; afternoon fun competition for all.
FALKLAND PALACE
University of St Andrews students have been invited to participate in a full day event on Sunday, 28 September.
HATFIELD
Sunday, 5 October: Rolling mini exhibitions and pre-booked group intro sessions plus more informal on-court tasters for members of the public. Welwyn Hatfield Times to feature article.
HOLYPORT
Thursday, 2 October 7-9pm and Saturday, 4 October 11am-5pm: Learn the rules, hit some balls but most of all, enjoy a drink after the game.
HYDE
Saturday, 4 October: Junior Open event to kick off and then open to the public; Bridport/Dorchester Tennis and Squash Club sending a contingent. Evening social event.
JESMOND DENE
Jesmond will run its event across Wednesday, 22 October, Friday, 24 October and Saturday, 25 October due to a date clash with their Great Northern Doubles tournament. The club will be prospecting students from Newcastle and Durham unis and also some local businesses.
MANCHESTER
Friday, 3 October (starting at 4pm) and Saturday, 4 October: The club will run taster sessions aimed at all ages and abilities, and will be contacting all local racquet sports clubs as well as the local universities.
MIDDLESEX
Thursday, 2 October and Saturday, 4 October: Rolling taster sessions, focused on student freshers, uni staff and friends of members; includes social element. Will use existing social media channels to promote.
MORETON MORRELL
Friday, 3 October and Saturday, 4 October: Open workshop for students of the Moreton Morrell Agricultural College; evening pro-am doubles match featuring Darren Long, Rob Shenkman, Bertie Vallat and Will Flynn.
NEWMARKET
Friday, 3 October: On-court taster sessions.
ORATORY
Friday, 3 October: 3 x 2 hour coaching sessions given by Rob and Claire Fahey; Saturday, 4 October from 4pm - more intro coaching and evening social. Likely press coverage in local newspapers.
OXFORD
Stay tuned for details on an event set to take place on Saturday, 4 October.
PETWORTH
Saturday, 4 October: Three coaching sessions planned, followed by an exhibition match; negotiating with The National Trust (their landlord) to use their social media to promote the event.
PRESTED
Friday, October 3 and Saturday, October 4: Free Real Tennis lessons with the opportunity to join as part of an Intoduction Group Session or as a group of family and friends for an indpendent lesson. Click here for more information and to sign up.
RADLEY
Friday, 3 October: Exhibition matches, Alex Machin vs Lea van der Zwalmen & Nino Merola vs Rob Shenkman.
RTC
Wednesday, 1 October, Saturday, 4 October, and Sunday, 5 October: Rolling on-court taster sessions/workshops given by the pros with refreshments and networking with existing members. Various local media coverage, including on Teddington News Hub.
SEACOURT
Sunday, 5 October: Big recruitment drive amongst existing members, specifically those who currently play other racquet sports only; coaching sessions planned along with exhibition match and social; hoping to have a group from big local employer, Fatface.
WELLINGTON
Thursday, 2 October, Friday, 3 October, and Saturday, 4 October: Three separate on-court sessions planned across three days; exhibition night, meet the members plus a mini skills event; pre-booked taster sessions and a dedicated junior session. Promotion via Wellington College social media.
