Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Premier Summer Tennis Experience in Ontario
Founded in 1956, the Southampton Tennis Club has been a cornerstone of summer tennis on Lake Huron's shores for over six decades. Our club was established by Irwin Fawcett Warder, a local tennis enthusiast who transformed two dilapidated courts into a thriving community hub. Through generations of dedicated volunteers and members, we've expanded to 15 hard courts across three locations while maintaining our core values of inclusivity, youth development, and community spirit. Our experienced team of certified instructors delivers programs for all skill levels, from introductory lessons for young children to competitive tournaments for seasoned players. The club's facilities include two clubhouses, eight Warder Courts named after our founder, and the original 1956 practice wall that remains popular with junior members. Governed by a volunteer Board of Directors since 2002, we combine historical tradition with modern amenities to create a welcoming environment where tennis excellence meets community engagement.Our unique programs like Cardio Tennis and the Junior Executive initiative reflect our commitment to innovation while preserving the founding principles of fair play and personal achievement. With flexible membership options and daily guest rates, we ensure accessible tennis experiences for both local residents and visitors. The club's legacy of producing provincial champions and hosting prestigious tournaments continues to attract players from across Ontario and the United States. Our ongoing refurbishment projects and community-driven initiatives demonstrate our dedication to maintaining Southampton's reputation as Ontario's premier tennis town.
Services
Tennis Lessons
Court Rentals
Membership Programs
Cardio Tennis
Junior Development
Tournaments
Ball Machine Rental
Facility Rentals
Community Events
Youth Programs
Details
- Year established: 1956
Highlights and features
- 15 well-maintained hard courts across three locations since 1956
- Certified instructors with progressive programs for all skill levels
- Affordable memberships with flexible weekly/daily options
- Community-driven model with volunteer-led governance
- Historic facilities including the original 1956 practice wall
Services
Tennis Lessons
Structured programs for ages 5-17 and adults, divided by skill level from beginner to advanced. Certified instructors use progressive methods with age-appropriate equipment. Includes group lessons with membership and private sessions for focused improvement.
Membership Programs
Flexible options including family, adult, and junior memberships. Benefits include court bookings, group lessons, and special programs. Season passes and weekly rates available with inclusive pricing for local residents and visitors.
Cardio Tennis
High-energy fitness classes combining tennis drills with cardiovascular exercise. Sessions include warm-up, workout, and cool-down phases. Available for members and non-members with mixed ability levels accommodated by instructors.
Ball Machine Rental
Self-service ball machines with adjustable settings for speed, spin, and feed rate. Available during weekday afternoons with staff assistance for setup and operation. Requires court booking and personal ball retrieval.
Junior Development
Progressive training from Red Ball to Green Ball programs for ages 5-17. Includes skill development, tournament preparation, and leadership opportunities through the Junior Executive. Historically produced provincial champions since the 1960s.
People
Jim Bethune
Secretary/Treasurer
Experienced financial steward overseeing club operations since joining the Board of Directors. Ensures fiscal responsibility while maintaining community-focused programming.
Dave Stevens
Chair
Leadership role in strategic planning and governance. Continues the club's tradition of volunteer management established by founding families.
Fawcett Warder
Founder
Visionary founder who established the club in 1956. Developed junior programs that produced provincial champions and created the original practice wall still in use today.
John Stevens
Former Manager
Long-time member who successfully led the club through growth periods from 1984 until transition to board governance.
Mark Heinzl
Board Member
Active director contributing to facility improvements and program development. Represents the current generation of volunteer leadership.
Questions
What membership options are available?
We offer Family, Adult, and Junior memberships with flexible weekly, monthly, or seasonal commitments. Prices range from $130-$470 with daily guest rates available.
How do I register for tennis lessons?
Members can register at the Beach Clubhouse one day prior to lessons or sign up court-side. Junior programs require placing member tags on lesson boards before sessions.
Are private lessons available?
Yes, certified senior instructors offer one-hour private lessons. Contact our staff to schedule sessions focused on specific skill development needs.
What facilities do you have?
15 hard courts across three locations including the historic Warder Courts, two clubhouses with amenities, and Canada's oldest continuously used tennis practice wall.
Do you offer youth programs?
Our progressive U10 programs use age-appropriate equipment. Older juniors access competitive training and the Junior Executive leadership initiative for ages 13-18.
What special events occur annually?
Cups Day tournaments, trophy presentations, and the Drive for Five fundraising campaign for facility improvements are key annual events.
