Nestled behind Ederline Avenue, in the remnants of the once 420-acre Norbury Hall Estate, lies Norbury Park Lawn Tennis Club, barely visible to the outside world. One of the oldest tennis clubs in the world, “Norbury Park Sports Club” was founded in 1889 with the incumbent Mayor of Croydon as President.
Part of the uniqueness of NPLTC lies in the fact that the Club has retained its grass courts, in a period when most other clubs have given up their grass in favour of astro-turf, all-weather or artificial clay surfaces. Not only has the Club remained faithful to the Lawn Tennis tradition, but the courts have been maintained to a very high standard.
In addition to four grass courts, the Club has four hard courts, two of which are floodlit. Prospective new members may have a free, three-week trial membership and coaching programmes are available to all age groups, either individually or in a group setting. Saturday afternoons and Wednesday evenings are popular Club sessions, enlivened by summer BBQs and our licensed clubhouse bar. These are ideal times in which to make a first visit. The Club grounds are an enclosed, safe haven for younger children and there is usually ample space in the Club car park. Year-round programmes for junior members and children take place throughout term-time and holiday periods.
Social members may also enjoy the pleasant ambience of the Club. The clubhouse is regularly hired out at weekends for social events and landmark birthdays and is home to the Telten Montessori Nursery during term-time.
An exciting new chapter is in prospect as the recently-formed relationship with the adjacent Nuffield Health, Fitness and Wellbeing Centre promises to bring mutual benefits to both organisations. NPLTC has begun the task of revitalising Nuffield Health’s three grass courts and developing a piece of waste ground for multi-purpose sports use, to include volleyball, basket ball and five-aside football. Members of both Nuffield Health, Fitness and Wellbeing Centre in Norbury and Norbury Park Lawn Tennis Club may now enjoy preferential rates if they choose to join both Clubs.
