Safety netting needed at Wombourne Tennis Club

Aim

Raise £8,000 to unlock Sport England’s £8,000 match funding to install high safety netting to protect players at Wombourne Tennis Club.

Who are we?

We are Wombourne Tennis Club, a friendly, welcoming community club at the heart of the village. Our members range from young children picking up a racket for the first time to adults who’ve played for decades. We run coaching, social tennis, competitive teams, and community events all delivered by volunteers who care deeply about keeping sport accessible for everyone.

Our courts sit in a beautiful shared space alongside the cricket pitch, and we’re proud to be part of a wider sporting community that brings people together.

Why are we crowdfunding?

We need to install high protective safety netting around our tennis courts. As cricket participation has grown, so has the number of cricket balls landing on our tennis courts. This has become a genuine safety concern for juniors and adults alike. We’ve had near misses, interrupted sessions, and moments where play has had to stop entirely.

To keep our players safe, we need to install high protective netting around the courts. This is a simple but essential improvement that will allow tennis to continue safely for everyone, children, adults, beginners, and team players.

The total cost of the project is £16,000.

Sport England has generously pledged £8,000 in match funding, but we can only unlock this money if we raise the remaining £8,000 ourselves through this Crowdfunder.

This means your support directly completes the project if we achieve the full £8,000 amount.  Every donation takes us one step closer to making our courts safer for everyone, and every pound you donate has double the impact. 

Your £10 becomes £20. 

Your £25 becomes £50. 

Your £100 becomes £200.

How we’ll spend the money raised

We believe in being completely transparent about how donations will be used. Your support will directly fund:

• High‑level safety netting installation around the perimeter of the courts
• Professional labour and fitting to ensure long term durability
• Groundwork and fixings required to secure the structure
• Contingency for maintenance and safety checks

Community impact

This project isn’t just about tennis; it’s about protecting a shared community space used by hundreds of people each year. Safer courts mean:

• More children able to enjoy sport safely
• More adults confident to play and stay active
• More inclusive sessions for beginners and families
• A stronger partnership between cricket and tennis
• A facility that remains safe and welcoming for years to come

Our club is run entirely by volunteers, and we’re proud to provide a space where people can connect, exercise, learn, and belong.

How you can play your part

There are four simple ways you can help us reach our target and make this project a reality:

• Make a pledge. Early support builds momentum, please don’t wait.
• Spread the word. Share our project on social media and encourage others to get behind us.
• Offer rewards. Local businesses can donate items or services that we can offer to supporters and we'll definitely give you a shout‑out!
• Fundraise for us. If you’d like to run your own sponsored activity, use the “Contact Project” button to let us know. Setting up your own page only takes a few minutes.

Testimonials

We desperately need higher netting to protect the tennis players. I have witnessed several cricket balls coming over the existing nets and onto the courts. There have been some very dangerous incidents when the ball has nearly hit players, one brushing a ladies face.  I have had a ball hit me on the hand when it bounced up.  
When the cricketers shout ‘heads,’ you do not know what to do. It’s impossible to track the ball’s flight and if you try and look, you are facing the ball risking being hit in the face. We have been very lucky that no one has yet been hit on the head.
It is very difficult to enjoy a tennis match whilst the cricketers are playing. Unfortunately the ladies play their matches on a Saturday when there is often a cricket match. Higher nets would definitely reassure players of their safety. - Senior member

I have played tennis at Wombourne Tennis Club since I was 5. I love to play as it keeps me fit and healthy. I have made lots of friends here. I have been on court when cricket balls have landed in the courts and it is scary. I really hope with everyone's support, we can get the high nets to make it safer to play. - Junior member

As a parent, I’m really concerned about the cricket balls causing injury. I hope that as many people as possible can support this fundraising and get involved. That way, we can ensure tennis is a safe activity for all. Whether it’s as a community, a parent or a player; the safety of tennis players is a priority for all!! - Parent member

When I’ve been playing league matches on a Sunday for Wombourne there have been times when cricket balls have come onto the courts, luckily nobody has been injured but I feel it’s only a question of time that someone will be seriously injured unless some netting is installed. - Men's league team player.

Our tennis club desperately needs funding for higher safety nets. We play directly next to a cricket club, and recently my son was almost hit by a cricket ball while on the tennis courts. It was incredibly frightening and highlights the very real safety risk. Higher nets would provide essential protection for our players, particularly children, and make the courts a much safer environment. This funding is urgently needed! - Adult member

Together, we can make Wombourne Tennis Club safer for everyone.

Thank you!!

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 23rd December 2026 at 7:02pm