Pirates Tennis Club can be described as one of the most successful tennis clubs in the country at the moment, despite not even qualifying for Central Gauteng’s First League.
Tennis South Africa’s club of the month for November last year boasts record membership at a time when other clubs are struggling.
According to chairperson Joss du Trevou, this is because of the strong family and social focus Pirates has.
“Throughout the week youngsters have coaching and the evenings are also busy with Second League and other games on floodlit courts,” he said.
“Then on the weekend, the place is packed with more league and social games throughout.”
Braais are held regularly and the bar overlooking the six courts is always filled with chatter.
The Vuleka School in Rosebank sends 24 of its children for free lessons each week, as part of Pirates’ development initiative.
“We gave them free rackets and shoes. Some of these youngsters are very good and we are starting to look at how we can get them ahead of others their age.”
The club is in its 50s, but in the last three years its membership increased from 74 to 170, and that across the age spectrum.
Junior girls club champion for 2016 and 2017, Mia Leshem (13) epitomises the attitude of the club itself.
“I have been here since I was three when my granddad started teaching me to play,” she smiled, as her grandfather, Zeev Wagmann, hit her another volley 10 years later.
“Tennis is really fun and stress relieving. I don’t play to win tournaments, I just play for the fun of it.”
To find out more, or become a member of Pirates Tennis Club, visit www.piratesclub.co.za and click on the tennis link.
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