University of Kent Tennis Club: FAQ

"You've Been Served!"

How much does it cost to become a member?
At Ł20 for the year our signing on fee is extremely reasonable in comparison with most other clubs on campus. There is one proviso however, if you don’t have a gym membership you will have to pay Ł3 each time you play and this is a standard practice across university. By getting the gym membership you will make your money back in no time with the amount of tennis you’ll be playing and with access to all other sports facilities on campus it is a worthwhile deal!

Where do you play?
We play our tennis on the Parkwood sports complex at the back of Parkwood. We have 7 macadam courts that have recently undergone resurfacing work, situated next to the 3G Football and Hockey pitches. Woody's Bar is a stones throw away where we can often be found having a drink following the days play.

What’s BUCS (Formally BUSA)?
BUCS (British Universities and Colleges Sport) is an organisation that govern University sports leagues across the country you can find their website at http://www.bucs.org.uk. Wednesday afternoon is set aside as a sports day across the country when all universities compete against each other. As you’ve probably noticed in your timetable, there is a common agreement that ensures no lectures or seminars take place on Wednesday afternoons for this purpose.

What happens if I don’t make the team?
The teams are an important part of our tennis year but our year is not geared solely towards the teams. Failing to make the team doesn’t mean you’re a bad player or that you will never get into a team. There is always room for improvement, and with plenty of hard work and enough hours on the practice court your game and conditioning will become stronger. The more we see you on court, the more familiar we will become to your game and the progress you have made. Come to Saturday social plays, make connections, exchange numbers and play as much tennis as you can. If you think that being a member of the team is not for you, then come to social plays, enjoy the game and still become a valued member of the tennis club.

Tennis is a great time filler- why not fit in an hour or two between lectures or seminars? If you have a technical or even psychological problem with your game then seek advice from a senior player- there will always be someone on hand who can help you! Take advantage of the experience and talents within our club and your game will come on in strides. And remember, trials are annual, just because you don’t make it one year doesn’t mean you won’t the next!

“It’s been too long since I’ve played that I don’t think its worth trying again..”
Nonsense! University is the perfect time to start playing tennis again! You only have to talk to team and social players alike to discover the amount of people that haven’t played regularly, if at all, over the last few years but play frequently at university. It may take a while to regain your previous level but there’s no shame in starting from scratch, just as many of our members do. Just because you haven’t played in a while is no excuse not to give it a try!

What’s the best way to get in contact with the Club?
The easiest way to get in contact is to join our facebook group, where all the latest news and events will be posted. As well as this its by far the best way to stay in contact with all of the committee as well as fellow members. Aside from this at the beginning of the term on Friday 25th September 2009, the University will hold a Freshers’ Fayre. Here you’ll be able to come along and see, ask us any questions, sign up for the mailing list, and get your first glimpse of Tennis at Kent!