After many incredible years, it’s the end of an era for Totally Tennis as we know it as the award-winning tennis programme at the indoor centre in the War Memorial Park and its secondary site at Stratton Park will close at the end of this month. Tennis Director Nigel Long made the difficult decision not to continue the current operation after founding the club back in the nineties.
Nigel started Totally Tennis on four outdoor courts and over the years he has built one of the most successful community tennis programmes in the UK. He also secured the funding from the LTA to expand the centre, in collaboration with Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council, and build a state-of-the art four court indoor centre and install floodlights on the original outdoor courts.
Under Nigel’s guidance Totally Tennis has grown tennis and opportunities to play immeasurably in the area for players young and old. As well as a comprehensive junior squad programme other achievements include a school’s programme for children aged from four right up to college age, a performance programme that has produced National and International players and the implementation and mentoring of a coach education initiative that has given young players the opportunity to have a career in tennis coaching. As many of you know, Dan Fowkes, who is running the new programme at Hampshire Court, is one of the many original player-to-coach success stories. Inclusive sessions have been offered for physically disabled players as well as those who play to help their mental health and for the deaf community.
There are way too many successes to mention but Totally Tennis highlights include having at least one Hampshire County Champion for over twenty years, an undefeated record in the annual Basingstoke and Euskirchen twin town sporting event, local league individual and team champions, an award winning programme for Brighton Hill Community College and Queen Mary’s College, Judy Murray coaching a session at the centre, numerous LTA accreditations as well as forging many great sporting partnerships. Nigel is also a senior coach education tutor for the LTA and co-founder of UCoach who deliver coach education courses across the country.
Nigel said, “I’d like to thank everyone that has been part of the Totally Tennis journey. From the 4-year-olds in Munchkins to the players in their now late 80’s that regularly use the courts and the countless player, coaches, and staff, many of whom had never seen tennis as an opportunity for a career. The philosophy of no membership required meant that tennis was truly open to all, and you have all been a part of our success!”
Thank you to everyone that has been involved and supported the Totally Tennis journey to date, the players, the coaches, the parents, and everyone who has partnered and worked with us over the years. We look forward to seeing you at Hampshire Court playing in our new programme that currently offers adult courses and cardio tennis sessions.
For all our players, the National Tennis Association will be the new operators commencing their programme on the 8th of January with some familiar faces on the coaching team. There are different membership options that provide great opportunities for everyone including Pickleball – click HERE to see the new schedule and membership information.
Totally Tennis 
Congratulations Nigel on all you have achieved over the last two decades and good luck for the future when i hope to see you around at the Hampshire Centrecourt! Pauline D.