Norbury Park Lawn Tennis Club has played a pivotal part in the history of Norbury and has been a hub of pleasure in the local community since 1889.
It is a congenial place in which to play tennis with a warm family atmosphere. Many generations of Norbury residents have enjoyed, and continue to enjoy, the tennis and social life of the Club.
In 1855, Norbury was a vast estate of some 420 acres comprising countryside, woods, meadows and ponds. On the estate was a large house called Norbury Hall which was purchased by the Hobbs family. Mr. J.W. Hobbs was a huge sports fan and introduced cricket to the area too – so successfully, that the touring Australians played in Norbury in 1888.
It was then decided that Norbury, which was proving to be an enormously popular escape from the hardships of inner London, needed a sports club, so in April 1889 the Norbury Park Sports Club was founded. With the existing Mayor of Croydon as President, two cricket teams and a tennis section were formed, commanding a membership fee of £1.10p and so the story of one of the world’s oldest Lawn Tennis Clubs began.
In 2000, the men’s first team won the Surrey Cup and in 2002 the Club won planning permission to have three new courts with flood lights. As usual, the challenge remains to get the Lawn Tennis Association or Croydon Council to recognise the value of our great Club and help meet the associated costs. Over the past few years we have up-graded the clubhouse. Our famous Quiz Nights continue, and the off-court social events offer fun nights out.
The junior tennis section continues to thrive, with regular coaching programs and Open Days.
The Club has a “pay and play” policy, so that you can try out the facilities and meet our members. If you would like to be a part of the history of the Club, join us for tennis or social activities. You are always assured of a warm welcome here at Norbury Park Lawn Tennis Club.