Document Dates from 2007/2008 Season

These are thoughts for discussion. For 2007-08 we have the use of some of the 12 courts at www.belfastboatclub.com. This lovely club is a 10 minute walk from QUB. The key problem facing the QUB Tennis Club is that it has no courts of its own. At one time there were 10 hard courts at QUB but they have not been maintained and are now unusable. In the future there may be one court shared with other sports in the new PEC extension. Without courts much time is wasted at the start of each academic year finding and agreeing facilities to use. This ad hoc use of tennis courts makes planning very difficult. The inevitable delays cause members to leave and weakens the club every year. This is the long term problem to be solved.

The profile of a successful QUB Tennis Club would be:

1. Initial membership targets would be 60 students with 40 playing each week. This would require the coaches, court time and equipment to handle this number efficiently. Membership in 2005 -06 was 59 students. This is a clear indicator of demand. Membership in 06-07 is currently 91.
2. Running for 24 weeks in October to May. Students are away for Xmas, Easter & Summer holidays. The club to play only between 1.30pm - 4pm on Wednesday afternoons for the 24 weeks. This is because many QUB students go home at weekends and have other commitments during the week.
3. Regular use of 4 - 8 courts on the Wednesday from 1.30pm - 4pm . This is to allow the initial surge of interest from beginners to be accommodated and hopefully sustained. This would enable singles, doubles, coaching and drills to be played at the same time, fitting the needs of different standards of player.
4. Regular coaching for 1 or 2 hours each Wednesday afternoon to be provided.
5. Able to host Irish Inter Varsities Tournament for 1 weekend every 3 years, requiring 8 courts.
6. Able to host 1 GB university team of 4 - 8 players for 1 weekend each year and travel for return matches.
7. Able to host Belfast and District League for 2 nights each year.
8. Run 4 evening, social tournaments each year.
9. QUB staff and visiting scholars able to join Wednesday afternoon sessions. Helps continuity from year to year as students graduate and leave. Estimated at 1 - 2 staff players a week.
10. Wet weather access to gym, meeting area to hold tennis theory classes and video analysis. Important as keeps club communication and social network going over the winter.
11. Reasonable dress code - apart from mandatory non marking trainers - to reduce costs for students.
12. Use of indoor courts or ‘bubble’ if available.
13. Courts within walking distance of QUB to reduce cost and maximise participation.
14. University of Ulster Tennis Club for friendly matches 2 Wednesdays a year.
15. Use of locker or cupboard to store racquets and balls. Essential to encourage beginners.

How to achieve the desired solution:

1. Need to form a long term relationship with one or more tennis clubs. The ones that fit the criteria are Belfast Boat Club (12 courts), Windsor Lawn Tennis Club (5 courts) and Ozone (4 courts).
2. An agreement between QUB and a tennis club would benefit both.
3. By increasing university student participation in tennis it would strengthen tennis in Ulster.
4. Such a relationship would have marketing and membership advantages for the host club.
5. It follows the recommendations of the Lawn Tennis Association and Tennis Ireland.
6. QUB is funding expensive facilities such as pools, halls and pitches for many other sports e.g. swimming, sub aqua, rugby, hockey, badminton. Tennis is being neglected.
7. To refurbish some of the existing QUB tennis courts with modern all weather surfaces and floodlights would cost well over £50,000 capital cost plus annual maintenance.
8. A sum estimated at £2,500 pa paid by QUB directly to a host club who could offer the limited court access detailed and the coaching, would solve the problem. Given the current grant is £924 pa a modest increase would produce remarkable gains for everyone.
9. QUB would promote the club as being affiliated to the university. The club would gain membership, recognition and guaranteed income. QUB would be able to offer good tennis provision to all students.