Courts in Session: How Local Tennis Clubs Can Evolve Without Going Bust

Across the UK, local tennis clubs are quietly rethinking their game plan. The Sunday morning doubles still roll on, the committee still debates the price of tea bags, but there’s something new stirring behind the baseline. A fresh crop of racquet sports – pickleball and padel – are bouncing into view, attracting players who are younger, enthusiastic, and (whisper it) happy to pay for the privilege.

Faced with rising costs and the ever-present challenge of staying relevant, many clubs are shifting strategy. They're adding new formats, trialling fresh memberships, and hosting events designed to appeal beyond the traditional tennis crowd. For some, it’s paying off in spades. For others, well – it’s a lesson in ambition outpacing planning.