Who we are
Thurrock Lawn Tennis Club is based in Victoria Avenue, Grays, Thurrock. We have 3 Tiger Turf Pro courts - a newly installed surface which is playable all year round and is kinder to joints compared to traditional hard courts.
Our tennis club has long been a cornerstone of the Thurrock community – and we are the only tennis club in the borough who provide cardio tennis, social play, coaching, and access to competitive tennis leagues. Thurrock Lawn Tennis Club provides a place for players of all ages and abilities to enjoy tennis.
The club supports members' charitable causes too including fundraising for Basildon Hospital's breast cancer unit in 2018.
Why we are Crowdfunding
We're launching a fundraiser to install floodlights on two of our courts, a transformational addition that will enhance our playing experience and ensure we can provide coaching and social play all year round, which is particularly beneficial for children in the winter months.
The crowdfunding campaign is necessary as without floodlights our courts remain under-used in the winter months, limiting opportunities to play and it limits our potential to grow and support more of Thurrock's residents. Juniors, in particular, are impacted as they can only play in the holidays during the long winter months. Due to the lack of capacity in the winter, we have a long waiting list for juniors wanting to join, and we turn away dozens each year.
How much we need
The floodlights are mounted on telescopic columns so are not visible above the fence when not in use. They are the top of the range design to fit in with the club's surroundings as also the lights themselves are low-level LED which have reduced light "spill" on to adjacent properties in the residential neighbourhood. Planning permission was granted on the basis of this high-end specification and unfortunately they are expensive.
The quotes the club has received so far are in the region of 80-90k.
How we will use the money raised
By installing floodlights, we aim to unlock the full potential of our facilities for the benefit of all. Floodlit courts will not only extend playing hours but also enable us to host league matches at home, open up our courts to the community and run tournaments all year round, fostering a stronger sense of camaraderie among members and attracting new players to our club.
Your support will make a significant difference, allowing us to create a vibrant, inclusive, and accessible tennis community for all.
The benefits are:
- Extended playing hours all year round: With floodlights, players will have the flexibility to enjoy tennis beyond daylight hours, supporting the work/life balance by accommodating busy schedules and providing a safe environment for evening play. Our Tiger Turf Pro courts are playable even in wetter conditions and, together with floodlights, tennis would be playable beyond the short summer months.
- Enhanced Training Opportunities: Coaches will be able to offer evening coaching sessions, allowing players to hone their skills after work or school.
- Community Engagement: Floodlit courts will enable us to coach children all year round, host league matches, run new community tournaments, extend our cardio tennis programme and expand our programme for SEN and children with disabilities – all of which strengthens bonds within our club and beyond.
- Support Health and Fitness for all: Everyone - regardless of age, ability or fitness levels - has the opportunity to improve their physical and mental health by participating in fun, engaging cardio tennis sessions in groups which would be held in the evenings if we had floodlights. Cardio is an excellent route into tennis for people who have never held a racket or played any type of sport before. It’s how many develop the love of the game by trying out cardio!
- Increased Membership: Improved facilities will attract new members, ensuring the long-term sustainability and growth of tennis in the Thurrock community.
How You Can Help
Your support is vital in bringing this project to fruition. Here are ways you can contribute:
Donate: Every contribution, no matter the size, brings us closer to our goal of installing the lights.
Spread the Word: Share our fundraiser with friends, family, and colleagues who share a passion for tennis or community development. Your support can make a significant impact.
Volunteer: Get involved in organising fundraising events or support us with ours – maybe there are other initiatives you can help with to support our cause? Your time and skills are invaluable resources.
Together, we can create a brighter, more inclusive tennis community for all. Thank you for your generosity and support!