AFTER eight weeks of lockdown, Cavehill Tennis Club yesterday once again opened its courts to members.
The Coronavirus pandemic has hit sporting life hard and like many other sports the Cavehill club were forced to close for everyone’s safety.
Now it’s ‘game set and match’ for Cavehill members who have been champing at the bit to get back playing the game they love.
“We are delighted to see the club re-open and it's great to see members get the chance to play and feel connected with others, albeit at a distance and with restrictions on numbers,” said club chairman Maurice Roberts.
“This club in north Belfast has a proud history. We play tennis under the backdrop of Cavehill and the majestic skyline of Napoleon’s Nose.
''It is a great social activity and we are delighted to be back up and running again.”
During Step 1, the tennis club will be playing on a restricted basis, with only singles matches allowed, unless doubles partners are from the same household.
It will be complying with the safety guidelines provided by the sport's governing body, Tennis Ireland.
The Cavehill club have also, for the first time, implemented a booking system as recommended in those guidelines.
“We are a club of approximately 200 members, catering on our nine courts for all levels of ability, from those who have never held a racquet to those who play to a high standard,'' added chairman Roberts.
''We welcome members young and old to an affordable sport which is truly for life.
''Situated on North Circular Road, we are the only tennis club in north Belfast.
''We are hopeful that, with many other sports not being feasible at present, we may attract a lot of interest from people looking for a sport that offers a degree of natural social distancing.”
For details of how to join, visit www.cavehilltennis.com
