Everyone is welcome at…
THE SATURDAY MORNING
& SUNDAY AFTERNOON MIX-INS!
Every week, all year round, there are two opportunities for adults to play social doubles, no partner needed.
Run by volunteers, mix-in social tennis on Highbury Fields has been running for more than 20 years, you will meet people who have joined in over the years, or perhaps just last week – people who turn up every week, and others who come just a few times a year.
Two courts are reserved in advance for the session, additional courts are booked online with public booking when possible, so there are often 3 courts in total. There is no advance booking, so it is first come first serve with numbers limited to two times the court capacity. For 2 courts that is a maximum of 16 players.
Saturdays are very popular; Sundays normally have spare capacity so more tennis but less socialising.
Who is this for?
Anyone who wants to play tennis and who enjoys playing with a variety of people! It is particularly suited if you have moved to the area, looking to meet other players, returning to tennis after a break and need to get going again, on a tennis course and wanting to practise your new skills, or just looking for some varied social play.
Adult players of all standards are welcome – but complete beginners will find it much more enjoyable for themselves and others to have learnt how to serve and hit backhands and forehands first (see https://www.betterlessons.org.uk/onlinejoining/home for links to courses and coaching at Islington Tennis Centre or Highbury Fields).
How much? £6.00 (cash only, payable on the day) per session. Tennis balls are provided.
How does it work? Supported by Islington Council, the mix-ins are run by volunteers and are open to all. Dependent on numbers, the normal play is doubles, with mixed up pairs depending on who is next to play. Standards vary, and all players are expected to play with everyone else. Players must be 18 or over – there’s no upper age limit!
Do remember to smile and laugh! It is fun tennis – we like competitive games, but we celebrate the other side’s brilliant shots, commiserate with our partner’s misses, and save apologies if we accidentally hit someone with the ball (which we try to avoid)!
The only time we don’t play is when the courts are not available due to bad weather – rain, ice or snow.
When and Where?
Saturday: 11 – 1pm Courts 7 & 8
Sunday: 3 – 5pm Courts 7 & 8
Both sessions are drop-in. No booking in advance, just turn up ready to play.
Depending on numbers, you may find yourself sitting out for short periods, chatting to others by the side of the court or playing the whole time. The sessions are based on doubles; five games, then swap.
If you do need more information before joining in on a Saturday – call or message Jill on 07789 435957