The Ely Standard recently a launched a 'Club of the Week' series in a bid to highlight the exciting opportunities to become involved in sports across East Cambridgeshire. 

This week we welcome Ely Tennis Club, a community based and non-profit organisation which prides itself on being the city's largest and most-inclusive tennis club.

Formed in 1989, the club, which partners with coaching provider Inspire 2 Coach, has more than 200 members but always encourages more. 

It is also part of the Ely Outdoor Sports Association (EOSA). 

Based at Ely Leisure Village, the club offers a number of programmes throughout the week, including social tennis activities, walking tennis and group coaching sessions. 

With four courts available that are free to members and private hire, the club welcomes members from the moment they can hold a racket - everyone is welcome. 

Most of the club’s coaching and training sessions run outdoors throughout the year, but it occasionally hosts programmes at the Hive Leisure Centre.

These are designed and run by head coach, Jack Pearson, and cater for all ages and abilities.

Ely Tennis Club has recently started to offer wheelchair tennis coaching and facilities, including specialist wheelchair tennis chairs. 

The club hosts an annual tournament each year that's open to all member and made up of six competition categories: Men’s and Women's Singles, Doubles, Mixed Doubles and Senior Mixed Doubles.

The launch of a junior tournament is also in the offing. 

Andrew Birley, club member, said: "Ely Tennis Club is, above all, renowned for being friendly and welcoming. We take great pride in our commitment to make tennis available and enjoyable, for all within reach of Ely, no matter what their age, abilities or disabilities.

"We offer a wide range of social activities including fun tennis sessions and social events. If you’d like to play tennis for fun, want a high standard of coaching from a qualified tennis coach, or something in between, Ely Tennis Club is the place to come."

For more information about the club, including membership and upcoming events, visit: https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/elytennisclub or contact elytennisclub@hotmail.com