Welcome to the Members Hub
Session info, programme details, camp dates, and how to reach us. It's all on this page. Worth bookmarking.
Quick links
The things members reach for most.
This term
Sessions are on as normal. Assume yours is running unless you hear otherwise from us, by WhatsApp or email.
Summer Term 2026
Sessions run until Friday 18 July.
Your first few weeks
Just joined? Here's everything you need for a smooth start. Once you're settled, you won't need this again.
Before your first session
Wear comfortable sports clothing and trainers. Bring a water bottle and a racket if you have one, though there are plenty to borrow while you find your feet. Arrive 5 minutes before your session starts so we can say hello and show your child to the right group.
Finding us
We're at Thame Tennis Club, Chiltern Grove, Queens Road, Thame OX9 3NH. Parking is free on site, and there's a clubhouse for water refills, getting changed, or heading inside.
Drop-off & pick-up
You're welcome to stay and watch or drop off and come back, whatever suits. Please collect promptly at the end, and if someone different is picking up, let us know first.
What the first session looks like
We place your child in a group by age and ability. The first week or two is partly about finding the right fit, so don't worry if the group changes after the first session. That's normal, and it means we're getting the level right.
If it rains
All our courts are outdoors, so assume your session is on. We only cancel for heavy rain or unsafe conditions, and that always goes out on the WhatsApp group first.
Any questions
Catch us at the end of a session or message the WhatsApp group. No question is too small in the first few weeks.
Camps at Thame
All ability levels, ages 5 to 14. Camps run throughout the school holidays.
What to expect
Sessions run 10:00 to 13:00. We cap each day at 24 players, split into ability groups, so coaching stays personal. Each day mixes drills, games, and match play. Same focus on development as the weekly programme, with a bit more energy.
Next camp
Summer Camp, 21 July to 27 August 2026. Multiple weeks available, book individual days or a full week.
View camps and bookThe junior pathway
All junior coaching follows the LTA player pathway. Sessions, courts, and ball types match your child's age and ability, not age alone, so players are challenged at the right level.
Mini Red
The starting point for younger players. Shorter courts, low-compression red balls, and sessions built around coordination, movement, and having fun. Building a love of the game matters more than technique. Players work on tracking the ball, racket control, hand-eye coordination, basic groundstrokes, and moving around the court.
Mini Orange & Green
Players move up from red ball to orange and green as technique and consistency develop. Courts get larger, rallies get longer, and sessions bring in proper stroke technique alongside simple games and tactics. Players work on forehand and backhand technique, an introduction to the serve, volley basics, rally consistency, and court awareness.
Yellow / Full Court
Full court, full-compression yellow balls. This group trains much closer to the adult game. Sessions build consistency, tactical thinking, and the confidence to play and win proper points. Players work on shot depth and direction, a reliable serve, approach shots, match tactics, and playing under pressure.
Performance & Competition
For players competing or preparing to compete. Sessions are more technically intensive, focused on match preparation, point construction, and the mindset to perform on the day. Players work on tactical patterns, serve and return strategies, match-play analysis, tournament preparation, and mental resilience.
Not sure which group your child is in, or think they're ready to move up? Get in touch and we'll advise.
Milestones
Development isn't always visible session to session, but it's happening. A rough guide to what players are working toward. Use it as a reference point, not a checklist.
Mini Red
- Track and hit a moving ball with some consistency
- Rally 3 to 5 shots cross-court on a mini court
- Show a ready position and recover between shots
- Serve into the mini court reliably
- Understand win and lose, and play a simple point
Mini Orange & Green
- Sustain a cross-court rally of 8 to 10 shots
- Hit forehands and backhands with basic technique
- Serve with a consistent toss and contact point
- Play and score a full game
- Move to the ball rather than waiting for it
Yellow / Full Court
- Rally consistently from the baseline on a full court
- Control direction, cross-court versus down the line
- Serve reliably into both boxes
- Approach the net and play a volley
- Compete in a full set and manage their emotions
Performance
- Execute tactical patterns under pressure
- Construct a point with a plan
- Stay focused after errors
- Self-analyse what went wrong and adjust
- Compete in local LTA-rated events
For specific feedback on where your child is, ask us at the end of a session or drop us an email.
Book a court
Want to get on court between sessions? Courts at Thame Tennis Club book online.
Court booking
ClubSpark handles all court bookings. You'll need an account, which is free to set up.
Book a courtManage membership
View your bookings, update payment details, and manage your GoTeamUp account.
Go to GoTeamUpKit & equipment
Look the part, and save on gear.
Club kit
GrowTennis hoodies, quarter-zips, training tops and tees, in navy and white from adidas and Nike. Order any time through our Kitlocker shop, sent straight to you.
Shop the kit5% off equipment
Members get 5% off rackets, strings, shoes and bags at Central Tennis. The discount is built into the link, so it's applied at checkout.
Get 5% off at Central TennisWhatsApp community
The fastest way to get updates. Weather cancellations, camp announcements, and programme news go out here first. Please use your real name when you join so we know who you are.
Join WhatsAppIf the link has expired, email mark.growtennis@gmail.com and we'll add you directly.
Cancellations & contact
Everything you need to manage your membership. Tap a heading to expand.
Reporting an absence
If your child is going to miss a session, tell us by email or WhatsApp as early as you can. It helps with planning and lets us offer the spot to someone on the waiting list.
Missed sessions aren't refunded, as set out in the Terms and Conditions. If your child misses several sessions through illness or injury, get in touch and we'll look at options.
Changing your session day or time
No problem. Tell us which session you'd like to move to and we'll check availability and make the change. Email us.
Cancelling your membership
Give 30 days' written notice by email to mark.growtennis@gmail.com. Your direct debit will be cancelled and you won't be charged for the following month.
If you rejoin within 6 months of cancelling, a £25 rejoining fee applies.
What happens if a session is cancelled
If GrowTennis cancels a session for weather or coach absence, we'll look to run a make-up during one of the buffer weeks in the term calendar. If you can't make it, you're welcome to attend an alternative group session.
The WhatsApp group is the fastest way to hear about cancellations. Assume sessions are on unless you hear otherwise.