A History of Kingsley Tennis Centre
Kingsley Tennis Centre is the dream and creation of the Jakeway family.
Disillusioned with local tennis facilities and the lack of support for younger players back in the 1980's, Jill Jakeway, along with the support of the family, set about building her own tennis centre where children could receive equal access to courts as adult members and the same quality coaching throughout the year.
This philosophy and vision has remained a constant ethos at Kingsley Tennis Centre and remains one of the cornerstones of the centre's success. In the early years, and to develop the centre, the Jakeways sold their house and moved on-site, building the first two-court air hall, followed by the outdoor hard courts.
This philosophy and vision has remained a constant ethos at Kingsley Tennis Centre and remains one of the cornerstones of the centre's success. In the early years, and to develop the centre, the Jakeways sold their house and moved on-site, building the first two-court air hall, followed by the outdoor hard courts.
Over time, the Clubhouse was built and recently four indoor courts were installed inside a huge purpose-built facility. This expansion enabled the growth of the club, as well as, providing all-year courts for playing whatever the weather.
The four new indoor court structure and outside seating areas has allowed the club to expand it's activities and become one of the best tennis facilities in Hampshire.
The family hasn't finished yet though, there are still plans to develop the centre still further, but those plans are future dreams and ideas - yet to be written on this page...
The four new indoor court structure and outside seating areas has allowed the club to expand it's activities and become one of the best tennis facilities in Hampshire.
The family hasn't finished yet though, there are still plans to develop the centre still further, but those plans are future dreams and ideas - yet to be written on this page...
Since 1987 , the family has further developed the centre's facilities and services provided to members. With the introduction of a further two outdoor "green clay" courts, members have the chance to play on a unique surface, which at the time, was the first in the country available to play on.
These courts are still a rarity today and provide excellent playing surfaces and particularly favour the inclement English weather, with rain actually helping the condition of the court. They remain a brilliant playing experience and operate from early Spring through to October.
These courts are still a rarity today and provide excellent playing surfaces and particularly favour the inclement English weather, with rain actually helping the condition of the court. They remain a brilliant playing experience and operate from early Spring through to October.
