Tennis clubs nationwide are experiencing challenges in both attracting and keeping members. Times are changing and so there is a need for us all to evaluate whether what has worked in the past will continue to carry weight into the future.

Thinking about what people may be looking for in a tennis club is a good place to start – not everyone is looking for exactly the same thing! Therefore, clever clubs plan for the long-term by designing and delivering different versions of the product to suit and to appeal to a range of interests.

Here are some ideas and initiatives to consider at your club:

Membership Packages & Price-points

• Different types of memberships: on- and off-court options
• Reciprocal rights at other tennis clubs (statewide or nationwide) and/or other sporting clubs (eg the neighbouring bowls club)
• Flexible payment facilities to cater for differing needs (eg concessions, monthly direct debit, student rates, or early bird discounts)
• Pricing variations and increments that reflect family numbers,the transition from junior to adult, frequency of play (eg weekend/weekday play only)
• Trial period memberships that enable a taste of what is on offer for, say, a 3-month period, with the paid amount deducted from the overall figure if the membership is extended
• Special offers from time-to-time, eg sign up for 12 months and receive a bonus 3 months; Introduce a new member to the club rebate/bonus.

Have a look through this to get you started: Ideas for your Club Membership Pack

Membership Services

• Does your club cater for the different groups who use your venue? For example if your club is attempting to attract new mums back to the court, are there nappy-changing facilities available?
• What services do you provide to players in terms of food and refreshments?
• Have you a stocked First-Aid Kit onsite?
• Does your club offer a court booking system?
• Are there additional services available such as coaching, restringing, social tennis?
• Does your club run fundraising and one-off social events?
• Does your club offer new opportunities e.g. mini-tournaments, challenges, ‘Bring-a-Friend session’…?

Clubs of all shapes and sizes are able to consider the nature and extent to which these sorts of ideas can be incorporated into their day to day running. As we know, many clubs are dependent on the work of volunteers, so spreading the word and everyone doing a little bit will help to ease the load and ensure that your club continues to hum.

Take up the challenge and try to get even just one idea off the ground!