Adult Tennis Lessons, Coaching & Tournaments
Whether you’re an advanced player looking for competitive matches, or if you’re a total beginner looking to take up the sport for the first time, we have the game plan for you. We organise regular adult group sessions and social play for members at all levels throughout the year. For those new to tennis or those who haven’t picked up a racket for years, our Rusty Rackets class on a Friday evening provides fun coaching and an opportunity to meet other players. Most recently, our members established a Ladies’ Tennis & Tipples group for those who have joined our Ladies Only Classes. We also have our hugely popular Friday night Social Tennis each week from 7-9pm. Members play doubles matches and then enjoy drinks in our clubhouse afterwards. The club also has a vibrant competitive calendar, with our successful internal tournament play, singles box league competition, regional cup competitions and – as of the 2024 season – six teams in the Southport and District Tennis Leagues. So, if you’re after an enjoyable adult tennis class or a more competitive Southport Tennis League, Sphynx are just a phone call away.
These high-energy, fun sessions are led by female coach, Natalie Wall. Natalie provides drill-based sessions for ladies who are keen to play tennis, want to refine their skills or those who are looking for a new way to exercise socially. No experience is required for these classes: all you need is a racket, trainers and to want to have fun! These classes are held on Saturday mornings at 10-11am . Get in touch with Chris Parkes on 07753143007 to book your place.
Ladies Tennis Classes
Similar to the concept of Padel, pickleball is a great, easy to play racket sport. The format will be doubles play rotated throughout sessions. Matches will be played on the tennis courts using smaller courts and nets with throw down lines. Pickleball can be played throughout the summer months at Sphynx!
Contact Ben Aitken on either 07869215645 or bjaitken@gmail.com to book your place and for further information.
Pickleball
All of our members are invited to our weekly Friday ‘Social Tennis’ from 7-9pm. A hugely sociable and longstanding event on the Sphynx calendar, Social Tennis is a great place to meet new faces and practice your game with no pressure.
Members can play mixed doubles, men’s and ladies doubles and singles matches on our brand-new courts. In the summer, we provide games on the green and ice creams for our youngest Sphynx members too. Casual and enjoyable tennis for all, followed by drinks served in our lovely clubhouse!
Don’t fancy playing? Just join us for drinks, good times and bask in the glorious sunshine!
Some of our members also enjoy playing Social Tennis on Wednesday afternoons from 2-4pm as a way to practise before matches and meet up socially. There are plenty of opportunities to meet other members and play tennis at Sphynx!
Social Tennis
Sphynx now has six teams competing in the Southport & District Tennis Leagues. Each team has four men and four women playing a mix of men’s, ladies and mixed doubles against other local teams. In 2023, the sixth team has been introduced and includes many new members and those who have only recently taken up tennis. We are proud to see all six teams enter the 2024 season! Our teams are fun, friendly and organised by experienced and knowledgeable captains. Our prestigious 1st Team are Division 1 Champions for 9 years running!
League Tennis
As a club, we are also proud to have a thriving table tennis community with regular sessions for singles and doubles play during the winter months. These sessions are varied and welcoming, with play available for beginners and improvers. If you are interested in playing table tennis here at Sphynx, contact Ben Aitken on either 07869215645 or bjaitken@gmail.com.
Table Tennis
Here at Sphynx, we are incredibly fortunate to have a plethora of tournaments and in-club matches for our members to take part in.
Throughout the summer, we run our Club Tournament which involves beginner/intermediate ladies and men’s singles, men’s singles, ladies singles, and mixed doubles matches against fellow members. It’s fun and friendly, providing many of our members the opportunity to play and meet new people! Our Finals Day – at the end of the tournament – is always a huge success and an exciting day with the champions being crowned, whilst the spectators can enjoy a BBQ and drinks in the clubhouse.
As of this year, we also have our Box League Tournament with our members entering and playing singles matches with the 3 or 4 fellow members in their box. After a month of play, each player submits their best results, and one person is relegated to the box below and another promoted to the box above. These matches are a fun opportunity to play singles and meet other members.
In-Club Tournaments & Match Play
We are very fortunate at Sphynx to have two outstanding coaches, both of whom studied and gained their coaching experience in the US. Our Head Coach, Chris Parkes, is a former England international tennis player, who played with Andy Murray during his youth. Chris is widely recognised for his coaching and recognised both locally and nationally. With over 10 years’ experience, Chris is available to coach all from beginners to the elite standard. If you’re interested in taking your game to the next level, then 1-2-1 coaching with Chris and will get you there.
We are also delighted to have coach Natalie Wall on the team at Sphynx. A former student of Chris, Natalie also studied in the US and was a Division One player whilst completing her studies. Natalie has over six years’ coaching experience and offers informative 1-2-1 coaching sessions for all abilities.
One To One Tennis Coaching
Improve your game by joining the These sessions are invitation only but are there to hone the skills of our more intermediate players on teams 4 and 5. Led by Natalie, the classes incorporate doubles practice with help on positioning in matches, finessing more challenging shots and how to close down match points. The sessions will return to the club once the summer season has ended.
