Synthetic Clay Courts

by Shirley Park Lawn Tennis Club in Croydon, Greater London, United Kingdom

We did it
On 23rd August 2024 we successfully raised £18,022 ( + est. £1484.00 Gift Aid ) with 138 supporters in 49 days

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

 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).


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. 

1708595474_spltcgroup.jpg

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.

Why are we crowdfunding?

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).

1710166412_img-20240307-wa0001.jpgOur over 55s team posting on social media after a win

How we’ll spend the money raised

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).

1712125012_20240222_112346.jpg1708609710_4_completed_artificial_clay_court_(1).jpg

Community impact

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!

1708893520_20240225_113015_(1).jpgBrian and Machendra, 2 of our older members, who still greatly enjoy their tennis despite both being over 80!

How you can play your part

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').


Rewards

This project offers rewards in return for your donation. Please select a reward below.

£45 or more

2 of 10 claimed

2 Month Trial Membership at Shirley Park LTC

2 Month Trial Membership at Shirley Park LTC with a free 5 week coaching course (normally £50). Try out tennis membership at our club. Great value.

£6 or more

0 of 2 claimed

Mouse Mat with SPLTC centenary logo

Mouse Mat with SPLTC centenary logo - White with Logo

£8 or more

2 of 5 claimed

Homemade Cakes

Delicious cakes, homemade by our members at our superb Handicap tournament on the weekend of Aug 31st-Sep 1st . As many as you can eat on the 2 days!

£8 or more

0 of 5 claimed

Our Head Coach will analyse a video of your play

Video analysis: Send footage of yourself playing, as specific or as general as you wish - and our experienced Head Coach Nathan will give you his expert analysis on where you can find the most improvement. Send by email to [email protected] or WhatsApp to 07548 169 884. All who tried this at our BIFT day found it useful!

£10 or more

0 of 1 claimed

Tote Bag with SPLTC Centenary logo

Tote Bag with SPLTC Centenary logo - White with logo Collect from SPLTC

£12 or more

0 of 1 claimed

New Blue Wimbledon Guest Towel

Totally unused blue Wimbledon guest towel 40cm X 70cm in plastic pouch (£14 when bought, current price in the Wimbledon shop for a guest towel £18)

£12 or more

0 of 2 claimed

Hit with Our 2024 Men's Singles Champion - Sam

Have a hit with our 2024 Men's Singles champion Sam Fairhurst for 45mins - bring a friend if you like and alternate. Structure the time as you like (hit - tips - a few games). Have fun! (Arrange a convenient time with Sam)

£12 or more

0 of 2 claimed

Hit with Our 2024 Men's Doubles Champions

Have a hit with our 2024 Men's Doubles Champions Sam and Sean for an hour. You need to bring a partner. Structure the hour as you like (hit - tips- some games against - split up and have a game). Have fun! (Arrange a suitable time with Sean and Sam)

£13 or more

10 of 12 claimed

A dozen Head Championship balls (3 X 4 balls)

A dozen Head Championship balls (3 X 4 ball can)

£24 or more

3 of 4 claimed

New Wimbledon Men's towel 2023

Unused Wimbledon Purple and Green bath towel 2023 with label (but no box or bag). Wimbledon store charges £39 for the 2024 version

£25 or more

0 of 2 claimed

100 Used Tennis Balls

100 used tennis balls for dog balls or beach use. Collect from Shirley Park LTC

£40 or more

4 of 5 claimed

Have your computer checked out.

Have your Windows laptop or PC checked out for viruses/security/performance issues. (Bring it to a location near East Croydon station or includes travel to your home if you live within 20mins drive; 45mins spent trying to fix issues; any recommended parts for upgrades are extra; normal price £55-£65)

£50 or more

0 of 1 claimed

New patient check-up at Shirley Dental Practice

New patient check-up with x-rays and 3D scan at Shirley Dental Practice by Dentist Payal Patel. Normally £82

£60 or more

0 of 2 claimed

£100 Fishing Gift Voucher

Donated by Fishing Breaks Ltd located in Hampshire near the famous River Test, who organise fly fishing trips and lessons (in this country or abroad)

£95 or more

1 of 5 claimed

Off Peak membership (from temporary membership)

Get a 15% discount. Off Peak membership until 31-03-25 (if you are currently on or have just completed the 2 month temporary membership)

£100 or more

0 of 2 claimed

Advertise your business at SPLTC

Are you a local business? Would you like more publicity? Get your logo at the bottom our website's home page with a link through to your website and a mention in our newsletter and elsewhere on our website. £100 for the first year (£150 for subsequent years).

£155 or more

0 of 5 claimed

Full membership (from temporary membership)

Get a 15% discount. Full membership until 31-03-25 (if you are currently on or have just completed the 2 month temporary membership)

£5 or more

8 of 8 claimed

Be part of the first 2 games on the new courts

Be part of the first 2 doubles games on the new courts. Buy 4 and organise your own game. After the opening ceremony. Almost certainly during the Sunday session after the courts are complete (mid to late October hopefully)

£6 or more

25 of 25 claimed

Enter our Handicap tournament - £6 per event

Our Handicap tournament is always great fun. Aug 31st -Sep 1st, 1 event normally £7 Please email [email protected] with the event (singles 10am Sat, mixed 2pm Sat or doubles 10am Sun) you'd like to enter (and your partner's name, partners can be found if needed). See for https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/ShirleyParkLtc/Events for details. Any queries please email us.

£8 or more

1 of 1 claimed

Wimbledon face towels -2 - Turquoise & Orange

Totally unused pack of 2 Wimbledon face towels- 30cm X 30cm - one turquoise, the other orange (£10 when bought, £12 for 2 face towels in Wimbledon shop currently)

£10 or more

8 of 8 claimed

Handicap tournament - 1 event + 1 burger

Our Handicap tournament is always great fun. Aug 31st -Sep 1st, 1 event + 1 burger (with or without chips) normally £11-£11.50 Please email [email protected] with the event (singles 10am Sat, mixed 2pm Sat or doubles 10am Sun) you'd like to enter (and your partner's name, partners can be found if needed). To enter 2 events + 2 burgers buy 2 of these. See for https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/ShirleyParkLtc/Events for details.

£15 or more

3 of 3 claimed

1 hour 1-1 coaching with our assistant coach Milos

1-1 coaching with our assistant coach Milos for an hour- call him on 07999 468886

£15 or more

6 of 6 claimed

A dozen Babolat Team all court tennis balls

Donated by Winning Margin, a sports shop in South Croydon. Please collect from Shirley Park LTC. Normally sells for about £18-£20 3 X 4 ball tubes

£15 or more

3 of 3 claimed

1 hour 1-1 coaching with our assistant coach Milos

1-1 coaching with our assistant coach Milos for an hour- call him on 07484 779348

£15 or more

1 of 1 claimed

Vip seat for 2 for Sunday at Handicap Tournament

Vip seat for 2 for the Sunday of our fun Handicap Tournament. This was a success for Finals day - if you are bored with your initial companion, invite a new one in! (Please supply your own bouncer!)

£15 or more

1 of 1 claimed

1 hour 1-1 coaching with our assistant coach Milos

1-1 coaching with our assistant coach Milos for an hour- call him on 07484 779348 Kindly sponsored by Cre8 Electricity.

£16 or more

2 of 2 claimed

Restring your racquet

Have your racquet restrung by Nathan. Choice of string. normally £22-£25

£18 or more

2 of 2 claimed

Homemade cakes, once a week for 4 weeks!

Choose from banana bread, Victoria sponge, batch of chocolate brownies (described as being worth their weight in Gold!!), batch of shortbread. Collect from Shirley Park LTC

£20 or more

1 of 1 claimed

First serve on the new courts (and a hit as well)

First serve on the new courts (after the ribbon cutting ceremony is complete) and a 10min hit with the partner of your choice or one of the club Captains. Almost certainly during the Sunday session after the courts are complete (mid to late October hopefully)

£25 or more

6 of 6 claimed

Handicap tournament - all 3 events + 2 burgers

Our Handicap tournament is always great fun. Aug 31st -Sep 1st, all 3 events + 2 burgers (with or without chips) normally £28-£29 Singles 10am Sat, mixed 2pm Sat or doubles 10am Sun. Please email [email protected] with your partners' names, partners can be found if needed. See for https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/ShirleyParkLtc/Events for more details.

£28 or more

2 of 2 claimed

1 hour 1-1 Coaching with Nathan, our head coach

1-1 coaching with our head coach Nathan. Normally £35 an hour. Kindly sponsored by Cre8 Electricity.

£30 or more

1 of 1 claimed

£40 Restaurant Voucher - Vujon Indian, Addiscombe

The Vujon Indian Restaurant in Addiscombe has donated a £40 voucher to be used before mid October.

£50 or more

1 of 1 claimed

New Wilson Tour black 6 racket tennis bag

Item Code WR8032901001 Wilson Noir Tour 6PK new and sealed in plastic packaging. Sells on internet for about £72+. Collect from SPLTC.

£80 or more

2 of 2 claimed

Guided Group tour - choice of 3 tours

Brian, a London Tourist Guide offers a choice of 3 different tours (normally £120, max 10 people). THE WALLACE COLLECTION One of London’s hidden gems and the equal of some of the more famous art galleries. BROTHELS, BISHOPS AND THE BARD - Historic Southwark. Includes the 'Clink', London's oldest prison. OSCAR WILDE'S LONDON Expect the unexpected in the back streets of Mayfair and St James, including a 16th Century Tudor cowshed

£975 or more

3 of 3 claimed

5 Year Full Adult Membership at a 15% discount

5 Year Full Membership at a 15% discount (5*£230 = £1150) Also you will avoid paying any increases in fees in that time!

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