Business Details
Real Tennis at Oxford University
Established in 1492, Real Tennis Club is the custodian of real tennis at the University of Oxford. Our historic court on Merton Street, rebuilt in 1798, represents the original form of the game with its asymmetrical design and unique architectural features. We provide access to this traditional sport through membership, coaching, and taster sessions for both students and the wider community. Our two full-time professionals oversee year-round play across junior, student, and senior levels. The club maintains strong ties with Oxford Senior Tennis Club, fostering a collaborative environment where players of all abilities can develop. We actively promote the preservation and revival of real tennis, supporting global efforts to restore historic courts and build new facilities.Our governance framework includes comprehensive policies on safety, equality, and safeguarding, ensuring a responsible and inclusive environment. The club's facilities include changing rooms, a club room, and a meeting/dining space, complementing our world-class court. Through our outreach initiatives, we introduce newcomers to the subtleties of this strategic racquet sport that values technique over power. Our heritage as one of England's oldest sporting institutions informs our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of play and facility maintenance.
Services
Real Tennis Membership
Court Hire
Professional Coaching
Taster Sessions
Event Hosting
Highlights and features
- We maintain England's second oldest real tennis court since 1492
- Our two full-time professionals oversee year-round play at all levels
- We offer inclusive membership combining university students and external players
- Our historic facilities include a 1798-built court with modern amenities
- We actively support global real tennis court preservation and development
Services
Real Tennis Membership
Membership grants access to England's second oldest real tennis court, featuring asymmetric architecture with sloping roofs and galleries. Players enjoy year-round use of the 1798-built facility maintained to exacting standards. The club accommodates players of all abilities, from beginners to experienced competitors, with professional oversight ensuring proper technique development.
Professional Coaching
Two full-time professionals provide expert instruction in real tennis techniques, focusing on strategic play and court geometry. Lessons cater to all skill levels, emphasizing the game's unique elements like tambour walls and chase scoring. Coaching helps players master wooden racquets and hand-made balls while understanding spin dynamics and tactical positioning.
Taster Sessions
Discounted trial sessions introduce newcomers to real tennis fundamentals through hands-on experience. Participants learn basic strokes, scoring systems, and court etiquette while exploring the historic Merton Street facility. These sessions include equipment provision and professional guidance to demystify the game's distinctive features.
Court Hire
The historic real tennis court can be booked for private play or special events, offering access to one of England's most significant sporting venues. Hire includes use of traditional equipment and professional support to ensure proper court usage. The facility's unique architecture provides an authentic setting for experiencing this precursor to modern lawn tennis.
Historical Preservation
The club actively participates in global efforts to preserve real tennis heritage, maintaining its 16th-century court features while supporting new court construction. Our initiatives include sharing expertise with international restoration projects and promoting awareness of this early racquet sport's cultural significance through educational programs.
People
Neil Mortensen
President
Overseeing strategic direction as President, Neil Mortensen brings extensive experience in sports governance to ensure the club's continued success while maintaining its historic traditions and modern accessibility.
Ashley Deakin
Treasurer
Managing financial operations as Treasurer, Ashley Deakin ensures responsible stewardship of the club's resources while supporting preservation efforts and facility improvements for this historic sporting institution.
Seth Whidden
Senior Member
As Senior Member, Seth Whidden contributes academic perspective to club governance, helping bridge university traditions with contemporary membership needs while promoting real tennis scholarship.
Andrew Davis
Professional Coach
One of two full-time professionals, Andrew Davis provides expert instruction in real tennis techniques, helping players master the game's unique challenges through personalized coaching and structured development programs.
Craig Greenhalgh
Professional Coach
As lead professional, Craig Greenhalgh oversees technical training and court operations, sharing expertise in real tennis strategy while maintaining the highest standards of play and facility maintenance.
Questions
What is real tennis?
Real tennis is the original racquet sport played in an asymmetrical indoor court with sloping walls and unique scoring systems, predating modern lawn tennis by centuries.
Can non-students join the club?
Yes, the club combines Oxford University members with external players through shared facilities and mixed play sessions overseen by professional coaches.
Are taster sessions available?
Discounted introductory sessions provide hands-on experience with real tennis equipment and techniques, including professional guidance and court access.
What makes your court historic?
Built in 1798 on the site of a court dating to at least 1595, our facility is England's second oldest real tennis court, with continuous play since the 16th century.
Can I hire the court for private use?
The historic court is available for private hire, offering access to one of England's most significant sporting venues with professional support for special events.
How do you support real tennis preservation?
We actively promote global preservation efforts through knowledge sharing, supporting court restorations, and educating about this traditional sport's cultural heritage.
Videos
