New stretch target
Any extra money will be spent on our next project which is floodlighting (we currently have planning permission problems with this but new types of lighting are very promising and hopefully will provide a solution).
New Clay Courts to increase playing time and help our coaches cope with bad weather!
by Shirley Park Lawn Tennis Club in Croydon, Greater London, United Kingdom
Any extra money will be spent on our next project which is floodlighting (we currently have planning permission problems with this but new types of lighting are very promising and hopefully will provide a solution).
Shirley Park LTC, founded in 1914, is a very friendly amateur tennis club in Croydon, with a very multi-cultural membership. Tennis is not only a great way to get your exercise but a game you can play from 5-80+yrs (we have a wonderful older persons group), is very sociable especially in an amateur club like ours and you can always try and improve your tennis skills (all factors that have been shown by science to help in a healthy fulfilled life).
Shirley Park LTC is set in a great location and we are determined to improve and develop our facilities. We put on not only interesting tennis events like our superb Handicap weekend at the beginning of September where you can have great fun trying to beat better players aided by advantageous scoring, but also interesting social events like Quiz nights.
We held a very successful event in conjunction with Bright Ideas for Tennis on June 22nd which raised funds for our community projects as well as the new courts . Many thanks to the 2 ex Davis cup players Danny and Luke and BIFT for their efforts in making it such a fun day that was greatly appreciated by all who attended and good luck with all your efforts to help tennis.
2 new synthetic clay courts will greatly improve our coach's ability to cope with bad weather, as the new surface can cope with light rain without becoming slippery and recovers very fast from heavier downpours, and improve the amount of playing time for our members. The cost of these courts is high as they are replacing 30yr old courts that are in very poor condition and very frequently out of action in winter. We currently need £12,000 from this crowdfunding and other fund raising activities and any extra (£5000 if we reach our full target of £17,000) will be put towards our next project of getting floodlights for our courts (in the past we have had planning permission/green belt issues but new types of lighting give us hope we can overcome these issues).
Our over 55s team posting on social media after a win
Your donation will make up part of the the near £80,000 we need to spend on this project. (See the image of a just completed synthetic clay court below contrasted against the current courts).
We have run sessions for Croydon MENCAP over a number of years while we are home to along established LGBTQ+ group. Both these activities will benefit from the improved facilities that your money will help provide. While our coaches will be able teach more kids the great game of tennis which will hopefully be a skill they can have fun with throughout their lives. All our members will benefit from the extra playing time and the new surface will be a lot kinder on their knees!
Brian and Machendra, 2 of our older members, who still greatly enjoy their tennis despite both being over 80!
There are 4 simple ways to help us reach our target, and make this project a reality.
1. Make a donation. If you are able to donate something then it will be greatly appreciated and if you are able to Gift Aid it the Government will give us 25% extra on top of your donation. Many thanks.
2. Spread the word. Share our project on your social media pages and tell the world to get behind us! The more people we reach, the more support we will get.
3. Local Businesses. If you would like to sponsor the club do get in touch! A reduced rate is available as one of the 'rewards' as part of this fund raiser..
4. If you live in Croydon. Have you ever considered playing tennis? It's a great way to get your exercise and our very friendly club is a superb place to play this great sport. We have an excellent £50 introductory membership that includes a free coaching course (available here at the reduced rate of £45; see the 'rewards section').
This project offers rewards in return for your donation. Please select a reward below.