Tennis club in deprived area saved from closure

The club feared closure and its courts were in poor condition

A tennis club in one of the poorest areas of Sheffield that was on the brink of closure has been saved thanks to a major fundraising effort.

Thorncliffe Tennis Club has been operating for more than 70 years and needed to raise thousands of pounds to upgrade its courts, clubhouse and floodlights.

A crowdfunding campaign has raised nearly £30,000, which means all three outdoor courts at the High Green venue have been resurfaced.

Chairman Stephen Hague said: “Having played for the first time on our new courts today, I and fellow club members are delighted with the new surface. We are indebted to so many individuals for making this happen.”

Club chairman Stephen Hague kisses the surface of one of the three newly laid courts at Thorncliffe Tennis Club

The club had a target of £17,500 to meet before they would unlock a pledge of a further £7,500 from Sport England.

The three courts, which were last resurfaced 18 years ago, were starting to break up. They were essential for the club’s continued participation in the Sheffield and District Tennis League.

Donations poured in from other tennis clubs, churches, charities, and businesses, while local companies contributed goods and services for fundraising events, including a marathon and a race night organized by club members.

Karen Lyon, a longstanding member has taken on the role of fundraising manager, said the “reputation of the club” within the local community had been vital in securing money.

“Our club has always played a pivotal role in providing tennis opportunities for everyone in what isn’t an affluent area and the outpouring of support has been incredible”

Local businesses donated materials and expertise to reduce costs.

SC Sports, a South Yorkshire-based manufacturer of sports surface paints, donated the coating materials for the resurfacing and SteelPhalt provided free asphalt.

The club plans to upgrade the floodlights and pavilion in future.

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