FAQs
COURT BOOKINGS
How can I book courts?
You may book courts either in person or via the telephone. We will ask you for your name and contact details. You will also be asked for an upfront payment of the relevant court fee to secure your booking.
Do I have to be a cardholder to be able to book courts?
No. Our courts are open to public, so anyone is welcome to play here. We do have an annual cardholder scheme, which gives you certain benefits.
Are the racket hire and tennis balls included in the price?
We charge either £3 or £5 for a demo racket (depending on what make and model it is and how old). We charge a £10 holding fee for trial of a new demo – if you decide to buy the racket after you have used, we will take the deposit off the cost of the new racket.
A can of new tennis balls can be purchased starting from £6 and we also have a selection of tennis shoes and accessories which can be bought from us also. We can rent 3 used balls for £1.00 hourly.
Can I book courts in advance?
As a non-cardholder, you can only book courts up to three days in advance. For example, if you would like to book a court for Saturday, the earliest day you would be able to do this would be Wednesday.
If you are a cardholder, you can reserve courts up to seven days in advance.
Is there any way I can view court availability?
Yes, you may view the court availability for both Hyde Park and Regents Park at the link on the left hand side of our website, www.willtowin.co.uk, entitled “Live Time Bookings”. Please make sure you choose the tennis centre that you wish to visit before viewing the availability. To book a court, however, you will need to contact us by telephone or do it in person.
Soon a new booking facility will be added to our website allowing customers to be able to book adult and children courses and children’s camps on-line.
What happens if it rains?
If you have booked a court with us and it is raining on the day, you will be issued a credit note, which you may use against another booking in the future. The credit note has to be used within one month.
What if I need to cancel my booking?
We do have a 24 hour cancellation policy. If you do cancel your court in the given time, we will offer you a credit note. This can, as mentioned above, be used against another booking in the future. Credit notes must be used within one month. Any cancellations that occur after the 24 hr deadline will not be refunded.
Our Cancellation Policy gives you details of cancellation fees on all of our courses on our programme as well.
CARDHOLDER SYSTEM
What benefits does being CARDHOLDER give you?
It largely depends on the type of card, but in general, it allows you to book courts seven days in advance rather than three as a non-cardholder. It also allows you a discount on court fees and one-to-one coaching. Full adult card gives you the additional advantage of a £1 discount on all adult drop-in sessions and 10% off all sports goods (rackets, tennis shoes and bags) purchased at our centres.
How do I become a cardholder?
Usually, the first step is to put your name down on a waiting list, which starts on 2 January of each year. The cardholder season starts on 1 April of each year and we have to allow for renewals before we can accept new cardholders. If you have been successful, we will contact you in mid-April with the good news that you have been able to become a cardholder of your chosen centre for that year.
How long is the cardholder season for?
Hyde Park’s season begins on the 1st of April and ends on the 31st of March the following year. The season at Regents Park, Ealing, Chiswick and Greenwich run from the 1st of May to the 31st April the following year.
Do I have to apply for a card every time anew?
No. After you become a cardholder, we will send you a reminder by post before the next season begins that you card is up for renewal. However, it is your responsibility to renew it before the given deadline. Please keep us updated of any changes of address, telephone number, email etc.
PRIVATE COACHING
How do I book a private lesson?
In order to arrange a private lesson, please call or text the coach of your choice directly. Most coaches would ask you to call but in busy months when they are on court, most prefer text messages. When leaving a message, please clearly give them your name, contact number and – very important – availability. Our coaches will get in touch direct and within 48 hours providing that they have availability for your requested times.
Is it possible to arrange a private lesson through reception?
No it isn’t unfortunately. Our coaches are self-employed and organise their own timetables.
How much does a private lesson cost?
It depends on whether you are a cardholder or not and very much on the rate the coach charges. The prices range depending on their qualifications and experience as well as when your lesson is booked (peak or off-peak).
Can a private lesson be arranged for 2 or 3 people?
Yes, lessons can also be arranged for 2 or 3 people for an extra £6 or £8 in addition to the regular fees.
What is the cancellation policy?
The cancellation policy is 24 hours notice. If you give shorter notice, coaches are eligible to charge the full fee for the lesson.
Can I bring my own coach to the centre?
Only registered coaches are permitted to coach at the centres, but the management will naturally consider exceptional situations.
DROP-IN SESSIONS
What is a drop-in session?
A drop-in session, in very simple terms, is a pay-and-play coaching session. We offer different drop-in sessions by design and also playing ability. To avoid disappointment, please check self-rating guidelines before joining any of the sessions.
Can I pre-book a drop-in session?
No, unfortunately, you can’t. They are as they say “drop-in”. These sessions are designed so that anyone has an equal opportunity to join.
How do I join a drop-in session?
The registration for all of our drop-in sessions opens 45 minutes before the scheduled hour the drop-in session begins. As all of our drop-ins have a certain capacity in the number of players allowed to attend, we operate a first-come-first-serve basis. Please be aware that you can only sign yourself up on arrival and in person. You are not able to ask somebody else to sign up on your behalf. Please note these can get very busy in the summer months and are well attended so please arrive promptly to avoid disappointment.
ADDITIONAL SERVICES
Do you provide racket restringing service?
Yes, we do. Miro Sikman does all of our restringing. He is very experienced and can be contacted on 07747034685 or e-mail: m.sikman@btinternet.com.
Do you have a ball machine at your centre?
Unfortunately we don’t - but one can be arranged at a cost of £25 hourly including balls and court.
How do I find a hitting partner?
One of the best ways is to join one of our many drop-in sessions where you can find other players similar to your standard. There are different drop-in sessions which are based on ability and cater for players of all standards. To avoid the session not being the correct one for you or disappointment, please check the self-rating guidelines before joining any of the sessions.
The other way of finding a hitting partner is to look on your centre board and you will find a list where you can add your name and telephone number and standard of play and contact details of other people who wish to find someone to hit with.
We also have a singles league in operation at most of the centres. Please see the website for details: www.localtennisleagues.com/regentspark or contact Nigel on 0750 328 1732 / 0207 027 970 or nigelbillen@hotmail.com.
SPORTS GOODS
There is a wide selection of accessories available to buy, for example, headbands, hats, wristbands.
THE PAVILION CAFE
We have the Pavilion Cafe at Regents Park and Hyde Park where you can buy sandwiches, Paninis, coffees, teas, alcohol, etc. Only food bought from the Cafe may be consumed at the centre.
Is it possible to take your own food/drinks to the centre or to have a picnic in the gardens?
With the exception of baby food, only food and refreshments purchased at the tennis centre may be consumed in the tennis pavilion or surrounding grounds.
There is however a possibility of booking a part of the centre facility for a period of time for a corporate or a private function. Facility Hire charges are applicable.
OTHER
Is there a dress code?
There is no formal dress or color code at the centre, however all players are required to wear non-marking footwear when on court.
Are there changing rooms at your premises?
Yes, there are toilets, changing areas and showers for public use on our premises. As it is a public space, we kindly ask you to clean after yourself as a sign of respect towards other customers.