WLTC - History [About the club]

Club history and recent developments:
 
WLTC is a small well run village tennis club with 3 all-weather floodlit courts plus a short tennis court and a good size brick/timber clubhouse. The Club is an integral part of village life and is popular within the village and surrounding areas. It is located in the heart of the village on Marford Playing Fields, off Marford Road.
 
The Club was founded by local tennis players in 1974. Throughout the 1980s membership numbers were variable, ranging between 250 and 300 members. In 1989 a 25-year lease was granted to the trustees of WLTC by the Parish Council as Landlords. The Club suffered a significant decline in fortunes in the early 1990s with membership falling to unsustainable levels (below 200 in 1991) and the court surfacing deteriorated to an unacceptable level.
 
In 1993 the club embarked upon a major turnaround program following extensive consultation with members, local residents and the LTA. Under new chairmanship and highly active committee, the key actions achieved were:
 
  • Securing a reduction in the rental payments to the Parish Council and achieving a major increase in membership numbers, albeit at reduced subscriptions, allowing the Club to regain financial viability and justify investment in necessary improvements.
  • Relaying all 3 courts and installation of a short junior tennis court. The rental arrangement with the Parish Council provides a sinking fund held by the Parish Council to cover the cost of future maintenance and refurbishment.
  • A continued turnaround in membership numbers, at increased subscriptions following court refurbishment. Member numbers had grown to 400 during the 2004 season. The junior membership had grown particularly with 200 junior members. The membership is highly active - this is very much a playing club, with limited off-court facilities.
  • Significantly increased competition success at the senior levels in local tournaments, particularly in recent years. We now run 6 teams in the Datchworth Mixed Doubles League for example
 
In 2002 a new 25-year lease was negotiated with the Parish Council at an increased rent reflecting the stability of the Club. In 2006 state of the art floodlights were installed to all 3 courts, paid for by the Club and a grant from the LTA, extending the playing hours throughout the year to 8.30pm. In 2009 the courts were re-finished and substantially cleaned by the Parish Council.
 
Demand for coaching has grown throughout the year. In recent years we have had the stability of a long term coach for the Club, Matt Foster, who we share with the Townsend Club in St Albans. Matt lives in the village and offers a full range of coaching for all abilities.
 
The Club now looks forward to continuing to grow membership, attracting more young families and enhancing social tennis opportunities at the Club.