- Feel Good
- 19th Jun 2026
- 0
- 0 minute
From Wimbledon to the North East: Why now is the perfect time to pick up a racquet
- Advertisement Feature
Every June, something quietly magical happens. The strawberries appear, the white outfits come out, and suddenly, inspired by the greatest tennis players on the planet, millions of us find ourselves wondering: could I do that?
Wimbledon has a unique power. For two weeks every summer, tennis stops being a sport you vaguely remember from school PE and becomes something genuinely thrilling to watch. With Emma Raducanu dazzling crowds with her elegance and power, and Jack Draper emerging as one of the most exciting British players in a generation, there’s never been more reason to feel proud of homegrown talent – or more inspired to grab a racquet yourself.
The All England Club has a way of making the sport feel both aspirational and accessible. And you’re far from alone in feeling that pull. The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) has reported a consistent surge in new players taking up the sport in the weeks around Wimbledon, with women in particular driving much of that growth.
Tennis is having a moment and the brilliant news is that right here in the North East, you don’t need to travel far to find a welcoming, well-equipped club ready to help you get started.
Welcome to Blaydon Tennis Club
Set within the beautiful surroundings of Derwent Walk Country Park – a beautiful green corridor running along a former Victorian railway line – Blaydon Tennis Club is one of the best-kept secrets in North East sport. Simply arriving at the club is a pleasure. With nine floodlit all-weather courts, free parking, a pavilion, and a social atmosphere that’s friendly rather than stuffy, it’s the kind of place where absolute beginners feel just as at home as seasoned competitors. They even offer Pay & Play, so you can show up with a friend and simply start – no membership, no fuss.
Good news for HLN readers – we’re running a competition with Blaydon Tennis Club to win a free membership and one month’s free coaching. Plus, more than 30 runners up will recieve free coaching.
Expert coaching for complete beginners
But if you’re serious about actually learning the game – and there’s no better time to commit than when Wimbledon has lit that fire – coaching is where the magic really happens. We spoke to Remi Carriot, a Level 4 LTA Accredited coach at Blaydon, about how to approach the sport as a complete beginner.
“The most important thing I tell new players is to not worry about looking silly,” says Remi. “Everyone starts somewhere – even the professionals were once standing exactly where you are. The court is a safe space to try things, make mistakes, and laugh about them.”
For those just starting out, Remi’s advice is refreshingly straightforward:
Watch the ball, not your opponent. “This sounds obvious, but most beginners look up too soon. Keep your eyes on the ball all the way to your strings. You’ll be amazed how much your timing improves.”
Don’t try to smash it. “Everyone wants to hit the ball as hard as they can. But in the early stages, consistency is far more satisfying — and effective — than power. Focus on getting the ball over the net and in the court. The power comes later, naturally.”
Use your whole body. “Tennis isn’t just an arm sport. Your legs, your core, your rotation — they all contribute. Even just turning your shoulders before you hit makes a huge difference.”
Get into a lesson or group session. “You can definitely hit a ball around informally and have fun — but a coached session accelerates your development enormously. Even one lesson a week means you’re building good habits rather than reinforcing bad ones. And group lessons are brilliant for meeting people.”
Something for everyone: sessions, juniors, and the social side
That social element is something Blaydon Tennis Club does particularly well. One of the most popular sessions on the timetable is the women’s cardio tennis session, held every Thursday morning – a high-energy, feel-good workout that blends tennis drills with cardio fitness in a way that’s as fun as it is effective. No experience needed, and it’s a brilliant way to meet other women in the area while doing something genuinely good for your body and mind.
For families, the club’s junior coaching programme is thriving. With structured sessions for children of all ages and abilities, kids get to develop their skills in a safe, encouraging environment – and more than a few Blaydon juniors have gone on to compete at county level. It’s the perfect way to get the whole family involved, especially when Wimbledon has the little ones glued to the TV asking if they can have a go.
The coaching team
Behind all of this is a coaching team you can genuinely trust. Remi works alongside Head Coach Jonathan Newton and Assistant Head Coach Ian Pearson -Brown – both highly experienced, LTA-accredited coaches who between them have shaped players of every age and ability at the club. Whether you’re a nervous first-timer or looking to sharpen your game ahead of competitive play, you’re in good hands.
Membership: flexible, affordable, and easy to get started
And when it comes to becoming a proper member, the club has made it remarkably easy – and affordable.
If you’re not quite ready to commit, the 28-day Introductory Membership (just £20) lets you try out the facilities before taking the plunge. Once you’re hooked – and you will be – full membership is priced to suit everyone. Adult membership works out at just £19.92 per month, while new members who haven’t played at the club before can join at the slightly reduced New Member rate of £17.58 per month.
“We see a real wave of new faces every summer,” says Remi. “Wimbledon is a big part of that. People watch Emma or Jack and think, ‘I want to feel that.’ And honestly? You can. It doesn’t take long before you’re rallying back and forth and feeling absolutely brilliant.”
Your sign to start
So whether you’ve been inspired by a breathtaking rally at SW19, or you’ve simply been meaning to find a new hobby that gets you outside, moving, and laughing with good people – this is your sign.
Wimbledon reminds us every year how joyful this sport can be. Blaydon Tennis Club, set in its beautiful Derwent Walk home, is ready to show you that joy isn’t just for the professionals.
Visit the website to explore membership options, book a court, or simply come along for a Pay & Play session.
Subscribe
Subscribe now to receive our twice-weekly emails and exclusive offers for High Life North readers.