Progressive and fun tennis lessons for children (ages 3 to 12) comprising Blue, Red, Orange and Green stages. Coaching fees per Term are $45 (Blue), $65 (Red, Orange, Green). Coaching ratio is 1 coach per 8 to 10 children (approximately) to cater to small group play and some individual coaching too.

We create a supportive and energetic environment on the courts so that your children will have a lot of fun, be active, and expand their tennis skills. Parents/caregivers are welcome to hang out at the clubroom, have a hit (if there's a spare court not being used by coaches or club members), or pop away for shopping/coffee during the lesson time. We also welcome your help on the court if you'd like to be involved - please reach out to the coaches to learn more.

Given the age of children in the Blue Stage, parents/caregivers are invited and encouraged to take an active role in these sessions. Our coach will be there to facilitate, and the adult/child one-to-one ratio will help the children get the most out of their time on the court. And, it's heaps of fun for parents/caregivers too!

 

TERM INFO:

 

Spring: TERM FOUR, 2024

THURSDAY AFTERNOONS: 

START / END: 17 October 2024 / 12 December 2024

MAX. SESSIONS: 9 

• Red: 4:00pm-4:45pm  
• Orange: 4:00pm-4:45pm  
• Green: 4:45pm-5:45pm

 

SATURDAY MORNINGS: 

START / END: 19 October 2024 / 14 December 2024

MAX. SESSIONS: 8 (no lessons on 26 October: Labour Weekend)

• Blue: 9:00am-9:30am
• Red: 8:30am-9:15am 
• Orange: 9:20am-10:20am 
• Green: 10:30am-11:30am 

 

Summer: TERM ONE, 2025

Early February to mid April. Saturday mornings and/or Thursdays after school. Exact dates and times will be announced on our Facebook page about one month before starting. All four stages.

 

Autumn: TERM TWO, 2025

May and June. Saturday afternoons. Exact dates and times will be announced on our Facebook page about one month before starting. All four stages.

 

Winter: TERM THREE, 2025

Late July to early September. Saturday afternoons at The Dome on Stuart St (not at the Taieri Tennis Club, but endorsed by us: same coaches, same program, just a different location). Exact dates and times will be announced on our Facebook page about one month before starting. All four stages.

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

1. HOW DO I BOOK?

Great question! To book now, return to the main COACHING page. Scroll down to see the various courses, and book the course that best suits your child. If this is your first time, create a profile for yourself first, then a profile for your child(ren) next. If you are returning, simply sign in to book. The courses are popular, and spaces are limited, so get in quick!

 

2. WHEN CAN I BOOK?

FROM WHEN: You can book a space for your child as soon as the course shows up on the main coaching page (usually from 3-4 weeks before the course starts). Keep an eye on our website and Facebook page for announcements.

TIL WHEN: Assuming a group is going ahead (has reached minimum numbers), and spaces are still available, you can join a group even after the course has started. Simply book a space, then please arrive 5-10 minutes early for your first session, to allow time to connect with the coach, and be fitted with a racquet etc.

 

3. WHICH GROUP IS BEST FOR MY CHILD?

Recommended age groups:

• Blue: 3-4 year olds
• Red: 5-8 year olds
• Orange: 8-10 year olds
• Green: 9-12 year olds 

If you're not sure which group is best for your child(ren), please first refer to the course info on the main coaching page, and recommended age groups above. If you'd like more info, please visit: Tennis NZ's Hot Shots info page. If still unsure, have a guess. Then on the first one or two sessions, please check in with the coaches (alternatively, they may reach out to you if they think your child would better suit being in a different group). Easy. 

Yes, your child is welcome to start at any level appropriate for them (you don't have to start in Red, to be able to progress to Orange or Green).

 

4. MY CHILD IS NEW TO TENNIS. CAN THEY HAVE A TRIAL FIRST?

Prior to the start of the Spring and Summer courses we often host no-obligation "give tennis a go!" sessions either at local schools or at the club. Keep an eye on your school newsletters, and our Facebook page for updates. Courses do fill up, so if you're on the fence it's best to sign up anyway to secure a spot. You can also test the waters by booking court time yourself (visit our Book-A-Court webpage for more info).

We're confident that your child will have a great time learning tennis with our amazing coaches, however, if after the first session your child just isn't enjoying themselves, get in touch before the second lesson, and we'll refund you, no questions asked.

 

5. HOW DOES MY CHILD MOVE UP A LEVEL?

Primarily, progression is based on the age ranges noted. Secondly, on proficiency - the head coach might suggest your child is ready to move up a level. Given this, your child may spend 1-2 years in Blue, 1-3 years in Red, 1-3 years in Orange, and 1-3 years in Green (before then progressing to a Junior Social or Competitive membership, if they wish). Want to know more or wondering if your child is ready to move up a level? Have a conversation with the coach - they are here to help!

 

6. TERM FEES:

Coaching fees for the 24/25 season are:

• $65 per child per term, for the Red, Orange, and Green stages
• $45 per child per term for the Blue stage

The club subsidises every child a further $20/term, as a result of a large donation from a local family a few years ago. How cool is that?!

In Spring and Summer when we offer both Thursday and Saturday lessons, you choose which day of the week suits best, and sign up for those days only. If you'd like to sign up for both Thursdays AND Saturdays, we offer a 50% discount when the same child signs up for both! Contact us for the discount code :)

 

7. WHAT DO WE NEED TO BRING?

Tennis racquets are provided, or feel free to bring your own. Tennis balls are provided too. Sunscreen also available at the club. So - just bring appropriate clothing and shoes for outdoor activity, and a drink bottle. 

 

8. WILL WE BE NOTIFIED IF A SESSION IS CANCELLED?

Yes. Any session cancellations (due to inclement weather or other issues) will be announced on our Facebook page. So, to stay informed, please follow us here: www.facebook.com/taieritennisclub. We aim to post by 7:30am on the day (for morning lessons), or by midday (for afternoon lessons). There are no partial refunds for cancelled sessions, or sessions that your child is unable to attend for any other reason.

 

9. DO I NEED TO NOTIFY ANYONE IF MY CHILD CANNOT MAKE IT?

No thanks - if your child cannot make it to any individual session for any reason, there is no need to let anyone from the club know. The coaches simply proceed on the day with those present. Easy!

 

10. CAN I BOOK COURT TIME OUTSIDE OF THE COACHING TIMES?

Why yes, now you can! You can book court time outside of coaching sessions, whether you are a member or non-member.

• If you are a member: visit our Book-A-Court webpage, and book your court time, free of charge.
• If you are a non-member: casual players can book court time via our Book-A-Court webpage for a fee.

Please note, a Hot Shots participant is not a full club member. Please check our Membership webpage for more info. Thank you!

 

11. WINTER HOT SHOTS INFO:

Due to popular demand we have expanded Hot Shots into all four terms! For Winter, given the weather, we have been granted access to The Dome, which means lessons can proceed rain or shine - yay! The Dome is an incredible asset to the region, and we are super grateful to be able to use it during the winter months for our tennis lessons. The Dome is located on Stuart Street, near the Otago Boys High School - at Littlebourne Park. Just look out for the huge white cathedral-like structure. Can't miss it.

Ahhhhh.... dome sweet dome :)

 

12. SPRING & SUMMER HOT SHOTS: CAN MY CHILD DO BOTH THURSDAYS AND SATURDAYS?

You are welcome to sign your child(ren) up for Saturdays or Thursdays. Or, if they're really keen, sign them up for both! To do this, simply book onto each course, one course at a time.

Please note: if booking onto one day only, please only show up for those sessions. In other words, if you know you're going to be away on a particular Saturday, please do not come to the Thursday session, because our coaches are only expecting those booked on Thursdays to come then. This helps us maintain our coach to player ratio. We appreciate your understanding with this!

 

13. LOST PROPERTY - WHERE IS IT?

Anything left behind at the end of a training session is placed in or beside the plastic tub labelled "LOST PROPERTY", which is located in the Female changing area. To retrieve your lost racquet/water bottle/jacket/keys/phone/marbles, please come to the club during one of our weekly coaching or social sessions. You'll find times on our club calendar.