Ridgeway Tennis Club: Sheffield tennis club ‘at the heart of its community’ celebrates centenary UK News

The Ridgeway Tennis Club, located in the village of Ridgeway on the outskirts of town, was founded in 1922.

Today, the club has around 80 members, young and old, who play on three outdoor tarmac courts.

“It’s a huge achievement for the club to reach a centenary,” said committee member Kimberley Kay.

“The club is booming. It’s a lovely club and we hope it will be going strong for another 100 years.

In April 1922, a group of people came together to form a tennis club on the site where there was also a memorial to 23 men from Ridgeway who lost their lives in the First World War.

Members raised funds to create grass courts, with the first tournament taking place a year later.

A silver trophy was donated to the Ridgeway Tennis Club for mixed doubles, known as The Else Cup, and is still played today.

“I am very proud that the club has survived and as a village boy I have seen the facilities evolve to the level they are at now,” said Ridgeway Tennis Club president Mick Mason, 73. years old, who has been playing since 1970.

“It’s still a true community club at heart.”

The memorial commemorating the fallen soldiers is also still on site.

Mick added: “It is sad that as we celebrate the formation of this club, created to commemorate those who lost their lives in this terrible war over 100 years ago, this war is once again threatening Europe. “

Events to celebrate the club’s centenary will take place throughout the summer.