“Being part of a tennis program, clinic, or just hitting with a partner – it brings joy to people’s lives. It brings a sense of belonging and purpose. It develops people’s sense of self, courage, confidence and values and continues to teach us every day.” – Frances Mercer, General Manager of Tennis Centre West Ottawa
Tennis Centre West Ottawa (TCWO), the city’s only year-round not-for-profit tennis club, offers its members 6 indoor red clay courts and 7 outdoor Har-Tru clay courts. TCWO aims to remove barriers for individuals and introduce the sport of tennis to the community. As a staffed facility, TCWO can offer a safe and welcoming environment to tennis players of all ages.
In 2021, TCWO was awarded grant funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation to support recovery amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding awarded enables TCWO to establish sustainable programming over the next twenty years! The programming begins in 2022 by engaging with community schools, special needs organizations, and communities facing barriers to participation to expand the sport of tennis to as many people as possible. This includes a plan to provide over 300 hours of professional tennis development to those in the community facing barriers to participation at no cost.
“The passion and enthusiasm for the sport of tennis is strong in Ottawa and serves so many purposes. Tennis brings connection to people’s lives, encouraging lifelong friendships paired with the benefits of lifelong physical activity,” said General Manager, Frances Mercer when asked why TCWO is valuable as part of community sport in Ottawa.
Tennis Centre West Ottawa is committed to encouraging the development of tennis at all levels and ages. TCWO strives to enhance the lives of its members and the local community by providing access to affordable and high-quality tennis facilities, programs, and services on a year-round basis. Through diverse programming, instruction, leagues, and tournaments, TCWO contributes to the growth and future of tennis in Ottawa.
Both annual and winter 2021-2022 memberships at TCWO have reached capacity with waitlists, indicating TCWO provides a much-needed service in Ottawa as access to year-round tennis in the city is extremely limited and in high-demand. In addition to memberships, TCWO offers adult and junior programs, as well as private instruction.
TWCO’s Junior Group Programs and Camps are offered in partnership with the National Tennis School. These programs are offered both at the recreational and competitive level. One of the goals set out by Tennis Centre West Ottawa is to support the development of children and youth in tennis at all levels.
TWCO’s also offers Adult Group Programs, Club Championships, and Social Events. TCWO serves a large population of older adults who feel safe to play tennis in our staffed facility. Clay courts provide less impact on joints where seniors can continue their passion for sport even while recovering from surgery or illness.
“TCWO is extremely grateful to be nominated as part of the community sport hero program. Marcia Morris and her team have taken the time to educate, inform and lead the way forward for sport by providing not only to TCWO but to so many sport organizations in Ottawa,” said Mercer when asked what it means to have Tennis Centre West Ottawa nominated as part of the Ottawa Sport Council’s Community Sport Hero program.
To learn more about Tennis Centre West Ottawa, check out their website or follow them on social media.