Sheffield tennis club's future in doubt due to repair costs
- Published
The clubhouse is in need of "vital repairs", members have said
A tennis club in one of the poorest areas of Sheffield may have to close if "vital repairs" do not take place.
Thorncliffe Tennis Club has been operating for more than 70 years and hopes to raise cash to upgrade the courts, clubhouse and floodlights.
Club chairman Stephen Hague said Thorncliffe was the only club in the north of the city and prided itself in being cheap and accessible for all.
He said: "If we don't find the funds... then ultimately we won't have a club."
Stephen Hague warned the club may close without funding for repairs
"Most of the clubs in the local league are from the south and western parts of the city and are more affluent and middle class. We are definitely a more working-class club area," he told BBC Radio Sheffield.
"There's not a lot of money around here so consequently we do our best to keep subscription fees down."
A crowdfunding campaign has been launched to resurface three outdoor courts at the High Green venue.
The club said it would cost about £54,000 to carry out repairs
The project is set to cost almost £54,000, with Sport England pledging to part-fund the scheme provided the club can raise £17,500.
Money already held by the club would cover the rest, the fundraising campaign said.
The floodlights are also in need of upgrading while parts of the clubhouse are mouldy, something member Sarah Barker said was embarrassing when other clubs came to play.
"When we play all these fabulous clubs… they see our [portable cabin]. It's difficult. They come straight from work from Buxton or Chesterfield to play matches and they have to get changed here."
Eric Smedley is the club's oldest member aged 92
Eric Smedley, the club's oldest member at 92, said he had "always enjoyed" playing at Thorncliffe.
He said the secret to his long playing career was making sure he kept himself fit.
"I'm small and light so I don't get much strain on my knees, that's the key," he added.
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