Tennis

Tennis membership runs from the 1^st April each year. 

Membership	Joining Fee	Annual Fee 26/27
Full Membership	£25	£550
Family – (Adults and 2 Children U18)	£50	£942
Midweek Member – Monday to Friday – 8.00am-4.00pm	£25	£328
Age 18-28/U	£15	£353
Age 13-18/U	£15	£214
Age 12/U – A parent must be a playing or social member	£15	£74

Members are provided with a unique ID and PIN number, which enable them to book courts from any online computer.  On accessing your account you need to ‘top up’ your account. This is done again online and in multiples of £30, which gets drawn down as you book courts. There is a £2 fee if you use a credit card, but free when using a debit card.

As a Community Amateur Sports Club the Connaught Club has membership fees that are not restrictive. If the cost of an adult full membership is financially restrictive, please contact the Club Manager. Subject to demonstration that the full cost is not affordable to you, the Club may reduce the price of an annual membership to £520 as per CASC guidelines.

DAN OSBEN | Tennis Coach – LTA Level 3 Accredited

Coaching Rate: £50 per hour

Dan is a highly motivated, ambitious, and passionate pro with nearly 20 years coaching experience.  He has strong experience and a proven track record on all levels of coaching from Mini Tennis to ATP Challenger Tour.  Dan loves to travel and experience new angles of coaching, previously coaching in Spain, India, and Australia.  As part of Dan’s tennis passion, he still enjoys high level competition and sparring and will be representing The Connaught Club for matches going forward.

When not on the court Dan enjoys endurance training including running, cycling, and swimming.  He is a huge fan of social dining/cuisine and lastly a keen follower of Arsenal Football Club.

Coach comment: “I’m very excited to be part of The Connaught Club, it feels like home.  I look forward to growing an all-inclusive programme and giving our juniors the best shot at a strong future whether it be on or off the court”.  P.S. and for everyone to have fun!

ANDREW FOSTER | Head of Performance – LTA Level 3 Accredited

Coaching Rate: £50 per hour

Andrew had a very promising national and international junior career.  Andrew was no. 1 British junior through all age groups and reached the top 10 ITF U18 junior.  As a pro player Andrew achieved his highest ranking of ATP 174.  He played in all the grand slams reaching the last 16 at Wimbledon in 1993, where he lost to the eventual champion, Pete Sampras.  Andrew started his coaching career in 1998 and within 2 years was coaching the number one female GB player and had a group of promising juniors which included James Ward (who went on to help GB win the Davis Cup).  He started coaching at The Connaught in 2005 with numerous players going on to play at a national/international level. Andrew really enjoys coaching all age groups and standards.

In his spare time Andrew likes to travel with his wife Mimi, watch all sports but especially cricket and light a barbeque whenever possible.

Coach comment: “This is a great club with a vast history, and I believe that together we can create a fun environment where we can enjoy our sport and build lasting friendships”.

Andrew runs the very successful ‘Foster Pro Tour’ but is also available for individual lessons.

JAMES MARKIEWICZ | Tennis Coach – LTA Level 2 Accredited

Coaching Rate: £43 per hour

James is a coach passionate about tennis; both teaching and playing it himself.  He is finishing his MSc in Sports Management at the University of East London where he was a sports scholar and the Men’s Tennis Captain.  He has a 1.1 rating, competes for the Kent Men’s team who are currently reigning national champions, is a former 4-year US division 1 athlete from Saint Mary’s college of California where he graduated with a degree in business administration, and wants to continue his development as a player on the future circuit.  James has coached both beginners and competitive players, worked with various ages and has coached at clubs in England, Germany, and the U.S.

Hobbies:  James likes to take his mind off tennis with music.  He enjoys playing the guitar, piano and singing.  He has even spent some time busking on the streets of London.  Otherwise, he runs a passion project with his social cause business “James Jozef Bandanas” that he founded which offers colourful bandanas and gives financial support to London’s athletes and artists.

Coach comment: “I’m super excited to be part of the team at the Connaught Club.  It’s amazing to be surrounded by people passionate about creating an atmosphere that gives players the opportunity to develop into the best tennis players they can be”.

ADAM WEBB | Head Club Pro – LTA Level 3 Accredited

Coaching Rate: £50 per hour

CAROLINE VARDA | Tennis Coach – LTA Level 2 Accredited

Coaching Rate: £35 per hour

Caroline has been a member since she was born and a tennis coach at Connaught since she was 15 years old. Her parents were the captain and manager of the club, so she spent most of her childhood at the club and on the courts. She has represented Essex since she was 14 years old in all the junior age groups and then for 12 years for the ladies’ team. Caroline was Essex captain for the over 35 team and then England captain of an over 35 team which played against the other home nations.

At 17 Caroline won a mixed doubles tournament which resulted in her playing in a Pro Am against the legend Rod Laver whilst partnering the Wimbledon doubles champion Fred Stolle.

Aged 22 Caroline and her Mum Avril won the UK Mother and Daughter title and went on to reach the final of the World championships in Florida.

Caroline has now competed in the over 40 and 50s vets teams for Essex and still plays for the club team. Her children are also coaching at Connaught, and she enjoys playing mixed doubles with them.

Coach comment: “Most of my friends are those that I made in tennis when I was a junior tennis player at Connaught. Tennis has been the thread that has kept us all in touch over the decades. It’s like my second home and I love coaching and seeing other people fall in love with the game”. 

MARSHALL TUTU | Tennis Coach – LTA Level 3 Accredited

Coaching Rate: £43 per hour

Marshall has been involved in coaching for 8 years and been involved in tennis for over 25 years. Has experience with players at all levels from beginner to ATP, as-well as coaching qualifications has a degree in sports and exercise science. 1st experienced playing tennis at the Connaught club at 5 years old and came back to Connaught nearly 25 years later.

Achieved a singles world ranking of 1077 ATP and still enjoys competing,  Plays regularly for Essex for a number of years, and plays regular German league matches.

Hobbies include fitness/boxing, playing the piano, travelling/ learning languages, and a keen chess player. 

Travelled with players and competed in many countries – eg Zimbabwe, Romania, Serbia, Costa Rica, Azerbaijan Supporting them and coaching them at various locations worldwide.

Coach comment: “I remember my early days with fondness at Connaught and how much I enjoy it here. I enjoy seeing development of tennis players who I coach and their enjoyment of tennis, helping them reach their potential.

FARHAD ATARODITEHRANI | Tennis Coach – LTA Level 3 Accredited

Coaching Rate: £40 per hour

A highly effective Tennis Coach and mentor with several years’ experience and demonstrable success in training tennis students, developing capabilities and managing young players to achieve their goals.  A natural leader, effective communicator, and strong influencer with extensive tennis expertise.

Experienced in developing players from beginner through to advanced level, also a strong hitter, able to support and challenge players of all standards. 

Hobbies:  Outside the tennis courts, Farhad is a fitness fanatic, an avid cook, a keen traveller, and a music producer of electronic music.

PARTH SHAH | Tennis Coach – LTA Level 3 Accredited

Coaching Rate: £40 per hour

Alongside his playing and coaching career, Parth competed for Loughborough University tennis teams while graduating with a degree in Economics. He continues to compete at a high level, channelling real-match experience into his coaching and helping players develop technically, tactically, and mentally.

Away from the court, Parth stays active through travelling, playing football and is on a determined mission to break 80 in golf. 

LUCY DAWSON | Tennis Coach – LTA Level 2 Accredited

Coaching Rate: £30 per hour

Lucy is a dedicated , motivated and aspiring pro with 15 years of experience in competition and in more recent years this has extended to playing internationally, competing in Tunisia, Greece and Egypt. She has experience working at tournaments as a court supervisor and coaching players ranging from Mini Reds to National juniors. Lucy has been playing the game since 6 years of age and is still as passionate as ever. She is always looking to expand her coaching and playing knowledge by learning from the other coaches and players at The Connaught Club, which she believes is a great team to be a part of! 

When not playing tennis , Lucy enjoys spending time with family and friends whilst also studying towards her online psychology degree. Her understanding of the mental game is also knowledge Lucy brings to her coaching sessions. 

Lucy coaches mainly individual sessions ranging from players in mini tennis to adults of 60+. You will probably see her on court with other coaches , playing and improving herself too!

Coach comment: ‘I’m very excited to be part of The Connaught family and help players to grow their game and improve every day. I am excited to see our players keep improving as the programme grows with them. The values at Connaught are very clear that we love hard work but also want everyone to be having fun and their individual needs met. I look forward to seeing more aspiring players on court soon!’

The Foster Pro Tour

The Foster Pro Tour is aimed at high performance tennis players, male and female from 16+ years. Players with a professional world ranking of 3.1 on a pathway to pro circuit competition.   
 
2 sessions every weekday 10:30-13:00 and 14:30-16:30 
1 session on a Saturday 12:00-14:00 

Sessions will be taken by a head coach and often with an assistant coach. Each player will work with Andrew Foster to set outcome goals which will be reviewed and adapted periodically. 

The cost of the programme will be determined by the number of sessions each player is able to attend. For more information, please contact Andrew Foster on 07977 570823. 

Adult Programme 

The Club welcomes members and non members (to certain groups) and support learning and training at the club. Here are the current opportunities to learn via group coaching; 

Mondays – 11.00-12.30 | Mixed level 3 game play group – This session focuses on doubles play and techniques to focus your game – a general idea of how to deliver on match play – available to members and non members. £12 per session (£18 non members)

Mondays – 18:00 – 19:30  Mens Team Training – levels 3 to 5 – Advanced doubles focused drills for our team players. Improved court positioning and tactical awareness. Available to members only £12 per session

Mondays – 19:30-21:00 | Mixed Intermediate group coaching – This session develops your strokes and match play and starts to focus you for match play – available to members only £12 Per session

Tuesdays – 19:30-20:30 | Cardio Tennis group coaching – A mix of tennis training and cardio exercises for both improving your tennis and fitness levels. £8 per session (£18 non members)

Tuesdays – 20:30-21.30 | Mixed Beginners level 2 – for those that now understand the basic positions and shots and would like to learn more about grips, positioning and placing shots – available to members and non members £8 per session (£12 non members)

Wednesdays – 18:00 – 19:00 Beginner level 1 – for those that have limited experience playing or would like to start and get to know more about the game and build their fitness to understand more about tennis delivery – available to members and non members £8 per session (£12 non members)

Wednesdays – 19.00-20.30 | Peak of the week, levels 2/3 – a ladies only match play group starting to develop the skills to play regularly – brings out your competitive edge – members only £12 per session

Fridays – 9.30-11:00 | Ladies training session levels 3-5  – A morning workout of technical, tactical and physical development, as always with fun at the forefront of each practice. Available to members only £12 per session

Saturdays 14:00-16:00 Invitational Ladies Team Training levels 4 & 5 – Organised match play and drills. Available to members only. £12 per session
Levels 1 – Beginner, 2 – Low Intermediate, 3 Intermediate, 4 High Intermediate, 5 Advanced

Junior Programme

The Club run a large number of junior groups for children from 4 years and upwards throughout the week.  The LTA Mini Tennis programme is aimed at children aged 4-10 years.  Here the children use smaller rackets and nets.  The court size and slower balls are suitable for the child’s age.

From 10 years of age all juniors play with a yellow ball on a full court.  The Club offers groups for all juniors which include drills, match-play and themed lessons.  These lessons take place midweek from 4 pm onwards and on a Saturday from 9am.

Saturday coaching;

from 4 years to 18 years | £9 per hour 

Midweek coaching;

Red Ball | £12 per hour 

Orange Ball | £12 per hour

Yellow/Green Ball | £12 per hour

Social Programme

The tennis section of the Club has a full social calendar allowing new and old members to mix and mingle regularly both on and off court. Throughout the year there are a number of social tournaments which members are encouraged to sign up to.  Contact the office for further information on this years events.

Thursday 30 April – Saturday 2 May – British Tour

Sunday 10 May – Social Tennis Afternoon

Sunday 14 June – PH Tennis Racket Trial Event + Social Tennis Afternoon

Sunday 5 July –Club Finals Day

Sunday 12 July – Wimbledon Finals Day

Sunday 26 July – Social Tennis Afternoon

Sunday 23 August – Social Tennis Afternoon

Sunday 27 September – Social Tennis Afternoon

Sunday 25 October – Social Tennis Afternoon

Sunday 29 November – Social Tennis Afternoon

Sunday 27 December – Social Tennis Afternoon