Hailsham Town Council Celebrates the Success of Women’s Tennis

Hailsham Town Council is continuing its campaign to celebrate and promote women’s and girls’ sport across the town by shining a spotlight on the achievements of Hailsham Tennis Club’s Ladies’ teams.

Based at the Western Road Recreation Ground, Hailsham Tennis Club is an established, community-focused club which provides opportunities for players of different ages and abilities to enjoy tennis, develop their skills and compete. Alongside its programme of social tennis, coaching and club activities, the club fields ladies’ teams in competitive league tennis, giving female players the opportunity to represent Hailsham against clubs from across Sussex and the surrounding area.

The club currently fields both a Ladies 1st Team and Ladies 2nd Team, providing opportunities for players with different levels of competitive experience. The teams compete in Tennis Sussex league competitions, with the club’s fixtures forming part of the wider regional competitive tennis structure. The club’s Ladies 1st Team has regularly featured in competitive Tennis Sussex fixtures, while the 2nd Team provides another important route into team tennis for members looking to develop their match experience.

Recent club information also highlights the breadth of experience within the women’s section, with players competing in doubles-based league fixtures and representing the club in matches against teams from across Sussex. The club’s 2025 fixture calendar, for example, included Ladies 1st Team matches against Seaford, while previous league reports have recorded competitive performances against clubs including Brighton University.

The Town Council’s campaign aims to showcase the people, teams, volunteers and facilities helping to make women’s and girls’ sport an increasingly important part of life in Hailsham. It also highlights the role played by the town’s recreation grounds and sporting facilities in providing accessible places for residents to be active, develop confidence and build connections within their communities.

Councillor Dave Chapman, Chair of the Town Council’s Assets Management Committee, said: “Hailsham Tennis Club is a great example of how our local sporting facilities can provide opportunities for people to enjoy sport at every level. The Ladies’ teams are competing against clubs from across the region, representing Hailsham with real commitment while also helping to create a pathway for other women to become involved in competitive tennis.”

“Sporting success isn’t just about the results on the scoreboard. Having strong local teams gives people something to aspire to and demonstrates that you can enjoy tennis recreationally while also taking that next step into competitive sport. The Western Road Recreation Ground plays an important role in making that possible, and we are pleased to see it supporting such an active and successful club.”

The Town Mayor, Councillor Chris Bryant, praised the contribution being made by Hailsham Tennis Club’s women players, coaches and volunteers. He said: “There is a great deal to celebrate about women’s sport in Hailsham, and Hailsham Tennis Club’s Ladies’ teams deserve recognition for the commitment they show throughout the season. Competitive sport requires dedication, teamwork and perseverance, and these players are demonstrating all of those qualities while representing their town.”

“Just as importantly, successful women’s teams can inspire the next generation. When girls and young women see local players competing, developing their skills and enjoying their sport, it helps to show that there is a place for them in competitive sport too. We want Hailsham to continue developing opportunities where women and girls can get involved, whether they are taking up a sport for the first time or looking to compete at a higher level.”

Hailsham Tennis Club’s wider programme also provides opportunities beyond competitive league matches. The club operates as a family-friendly tennis club, with social play, coaching and opportunities for players of different ages and abilities. Its four floodlit artificial grass courts at the Western Road Recreation Ground provide a year-round venue for members, while the club also offers competitive match opportunities alongside its social activities.

The club’s competitive teams are an important part of this wider sporting environment. League tennis gives players the opportunity to put their skills into practice against other clubs, experience the competitive side of the sport and develop partnerships with teammates. Doubles competition also places particular emphasis on communication, tactical awareness and teamwork, adding a strong social dimension to competitive tennis.

The Town Council believes that celebrating achievements such as these can help challenge perceptions about women’s sport and demonstrate the range of opportunities available locally.

Councillor Chapman added: “We want to see more people making use of Hailsham’s sporting facilities, and that means making sure everyone feels that there is a place for them. The achievements of the Ladies’ teams show what can be achieved when people have access to good facilities, supportive clubs and opportunities to compete.”

“Women’s sport is growing rapidly, and Hailsham has an opportunity to build on that momentum. Supporting our local clubs and maintaining facilities where people can train, play and compete is an important part of creating a healthy and active community.”

Councillor Bryant added: “I hope this campaign encourages more women and girls to look at what sporting opportunities are available in Hailsham. You don’t have to be an experienced player to get started. Clubs such as Hailsham Tennis Club provide different ways to become involved, from social and recreational tennis through to competitive team sport.”

“Every player who gets involved contributes to the strength of women’s sport in our town, and the achievements of the Ladies’ teams are something that Hailsham can be proud of. We look forward to continuing to celebrate the clubs, players, coaches and volunteers who are helping women’s and girls’ sport to flourish.”

Hailsham Tennis Club’s Ladies’ teams form part of a growing picture of women’s sport across the town, alongside female football, cricket, hockey, netball and bowls. Together, these clubs are helping to create more opportunities for women and girls to participate, compete, develop their abilities and enjoy the physical and social benefits that sport can bring.

The Town Council will continue its campaign by highlighting local teams and sporting organisations and the important contribution they make to Hailsham’s community life.