Getting Started

Thinking about giving tennis a try? Maybe you played a bit years ago and fancy getting back into it. Maybe you've never picked up a racket but always wanted to. Either way — you're very welcome here.

Dundalk Tennis Club is a genuinely friendly, welcoming place. We're not a serious, competitive-only club. We're a community of people who enjoy tennis — at all sorts of levels — and we love having new faces join us.

Getting started couldn’t be easier

• No membership needed to take a coaching lesson with Andrew, our experienced resident coach
• Social tennis sessions are relaxed and informal — you’ll be matched with players at a similar level
• Round robin tournaments run year-round and are open to all levels, including complete beginners

Read on to find out more about each of these, or just get in touch and we’ll point you in the right direction.

Beyond the social side and the fun of it, tennis has some genuinely impressive health benefits. Research consistently shows it’s one of the best sports you can pick up — and that’s true at any age and any level.

Linked to a longer life

A large study of over 8,500 people published in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that tennis players lived an average of 9.7 years longer than sedentary individuals — more than any other sport studied, including cycling, swimming, jogging, and football. Researchers believe the combination of physical activity and social interaction is key.

Easier on your joints than you might think

Many people assume racket sports are tough on the joints, but research tells a different story. The varied movement patterns in tennis — lateral steps, pivots, short sprints — help strengthen the muscles around the knees and hips over time. As a weight-bearing activity, tennis also promotes bone density, which can reduce the risk of osteoporosis as you age.

A natural form of interval training

The stop-start nature of tennis — bursts of effort followed by short recoveries — mirrors high-intensity interval training, which is widely regarded as one of the most effective forms of cardiovascular exercise. Regular play has been shown to improve heart rate, blood pressure, and overall aerobic fitness.

Good for the mind too

Tennis demands constant mental engagement — reading your opponent, selecting shots, adjusting tactics point by point. This combination of physical and cognitive activity has been linked to improved brain function and reduced stress and anxiety. The social element of club tennis adds to this, with research showing that team and social sports deliver even greater mental health benefits than solo exercise.

Meet Andrew — Our Experienced Coach

Andrew is our resident coach and one of the friendliest faces you'll meet at the club. With years of coaching experience across all age groups and ability levels, Andrew has a fantastic knack for making beginners feel at ease while helping more experienced players sharpen their game.

Importantly, you don't need to be a member to take part in Andrew's coaching sessions. Whether you want to try a one-off lesson or sign up for a full programme, coaching is open to everyone — members and non-members alike.

What to expect

Sessions are relaxed, structured, and always great fun. Andrew runs group lessons for beginners, junior coaching programmes, and individual lessons for those wanting to develop specific areas of their game. Rackets can be borrowed if you don't have your own — just bring comfortable sports clothes and a water bottle.

Get in touch with the club to find out about Andrew's current schedule and upcoming group sessions.

Social tennis is one of the most popular ways to enjoy the club. These are informal, relaxed sessions where members and non-members come together to play, meet people, and enjoy the game in a pressure-free environment.

You'll be matched up with other players of a similar level, so you'll always get a good game regardless of your experience. It’s a fantastic way to make new friends and become part of the club community.

Check the club calendar or our social media pages for upcoming social tennis dates and times.

Our round robin tournaments run throughout the year and are open to players of all levels — from complete beginners to experienced club players. The format means everyone gets to play multiple matches against different opponents, making them a brilliant way to get competitive experience in a friendly setting.

Events are often themed — think Halloween round robins, Christmas socials, and summer evenings — so the atmosphere is always great fun. Players are grouped by ability so you’re always competing at the right level.

Keep an eye on the Events section of this website for upcoming round robins and how to sign up.