WLTC is a small but well run village tennis club with 3 all weather (uncovered) courts plus a short tennis court and a basic timber framed pavilion/clubhouse. It is an integral part of village life and has grown considerably in popularity in recent years; particularly since the refurbishment of the courts in 1998. The club offers a public court for use by non-members. The club is located in the centre of the village.

The club was founded by local tennis players in 1974. Throughout the 1980s membership numbers were volatile, 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 (expires in 2011). 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 with a new 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
Refurbishment of all 3 courts and installation of a short tennis court. These courts are in pristine condition, and not due for major maintenance until 2013. The rental arrangement with the Parish council provides a sinking fund held by the Parish Council to cover the costs of refurbishment
Limited refurbishment of the pavilion from club funds
A continued turnaround in membership numbers, at increased subscriptions following court refurbishment. Member numbers had grown to 398 during the 2004 season. The junior membership has grown particularly with 208 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 5 teams in the Datchworth Mixed Doubles League, and our first team has moved up a division every year for the past 7 years.

Demand for coaching has grown hugely with demand exceeding available court time, particularly outside the June -August period. Both senior and junior members have had to be turned away: the demand for Junior Club Nights exceeds available capacity by more than a factor of 2 despite having already split the juniors into 2 age groups and restricting each to 1 hours court time.

Success in attracting and retaining high standard coaches particularly for junior members has been variable and this is a key focus for the club going forward. Equally extending the available coaching hours for juniors (by moving adults to later sessions via floodlighting) is key to allow further growth and improvement.

Approval for floodlights was gained in March 2005. Work to install the lights started earlier this (2006) season and it is now fully completed.