Can I book individual days?
Yes, we understand that the holidays can be a busy time, and we aim to accommodate wherever possible. Individual days can be booked through the usual process on our website. We do recommend booking the whole week to ensure your child gets the most out of it, but one or two days are still a lot of fun!
How much does it cost?
All prices are available on booking. The daily rate is reduced when campers attend the full week; we’ve found campers have the most fun and learn the best when they can join us for the whole camp.
Group discounts may be available – get in touch if you’d like to book a large number of places.
Can I pay with childcare vouchers?
Yes! Many of our venues are OFSTED registered, meaning childcare vouchers can be used. This also means that we have additional child safety measures in place at each venue. Please note that childcare vouchers cannot be booked online if you are new to Courtside. If you would like to pay with childcare vouchers the option will be available at checkout, please contact us for help if you have any problems.
What if I need to cancel?
We understand that sometimes unforeseen circumstances require you to cancel a camp booking. We can, with a minimum of 24-hours’ notice, reallocate your booking to another camp date and/or venue of your choosing, providing there is availability. If this is not possible, we will hold your credit on account to be used at another time.
Who will be coaching?
Coaches are all LTA qualified, and DBS certified and carefully selected by Courtside for their ability to relate to and understand younger players.
We operate a maximum player to coach ratio of 8:1 throughout the camp, to ensure every player is well looked after and has an individually tailored learning experience.
Every coach participates in compulsory training sessions from our Tennis Director, James Auckland, coach of two Wimbledon Champions and former doubles partner of Andy Murray, to make sure our unique programme is well delivered across all age groups.
How are the children organised?
Children are organised according to age, ability, and friendship group. Please contact us directly if you would like your children to be grouped with particular friends and we will endeavour to cater for this wherever possible.
Minis (5–10yr olds)
- Red Racers (5–8s) - Learn the basics through lots of games using low compression balls and smaller rackets.
- Orange Squashers (8–9s) - Develop technique and a variety of shots through drills, individual challenges, and team competition.
- Green Giants (9–10s) - Improve existing skills and movement on full size courts, and gain confidence through match play situations.
Juniors (11–15yr olds)
- Focus on the technical and tactical aspects of tennis, playing with yellow balls and developing greater all court awareness through competition.
What do the children do during early drop-off/late pick-up?
We offer supervised early drop-off and late pick-up at all our camp venues to help facilitate parents’ childcare requirements. The official camp day runs from 10am – 4pm and is full of tennis/physical activity. In contrast, the early/late slots are much more relaxed. We provide access to board/card games, puzzles, quizzes, some television (mostly sport based) for these off-court times, we would recommend that children bring their current/favourite reading or activity book along with them too. Children are all supervised during this time, and they are usually very happy with some relaxed activity before the busy camp day begins or decompressing after a full day.
What do campers need to bring?
- Rackets can be borrowed at the camp but we’d advise bringing your own if possible. Rackets must be requested in advance by emailing hello@courtside.uk.
- Suitable clothing, including a hat, is especially important and we would ask that sun cream is applied before arriving on camp each morning and your child(ren) bring an ample supply with them to reapply during the day.
- Campers should bring a snack, lunch, and water bottle to stay well-fed and hydrated, and a good pair of tennis shoes - but we can provide everything else they need.
Please note: We operate NUT FREE camps. Nuts and nut-based products must not be brought to camp.
What sort of racket should I buy?
It is not necessary to spend a lot of money on a racket at first and an entry-level piece of equipment should suffice. If you are feeling unsure, please email us at hello@courtside.uk and we will ensure your child has a racket to borrow and the coach can help advise on what type of racket would suit them best.
How do I get there?
A week before camp begins, we will send out an email with all the necessary Pre-Camp information. This information is also available online from the main camps page.
What time is drop-off and collection?
Standard hours are 10am–4pm. Early drop-off (from 8.30am) and late pick-up (up to 5.30pm) are available for a small charge. Please select this option when booking.
Please note that early drop-off and late pick-up do not offer extra tennis time, the children will be encouraged to engage in activities such as board games, quizzes or reading.
What if my child needs to leave early?
If your child needs to leave early, please email us ahead of time at hello@courtside.uk. A coach will make sure your child is ready and waiting at the gate for you.
Can I watch my child playing?
Due to safeguarding standards, it is not possible for parents to enter the premises and watch children during the camp day. If a child is feeling unsure in any way the coach will of course keep parents informed and notify them of any problems.
Can I opt out of photography?
Please be aware we may take some photos and/or video footage from time to time during the week. If you would like to have your child opted out of this, please let us know and we will make sure the coaching staff are informed.
My child has a medical condition, what should I do?
Our camps are fully inclusive, and our coaches are skilled at adapting all content to the needs of campers. It is useful to know of any injury / impairment in advance, so coaches have time to plan adaptions to make the camp super enjoyable for all.
We always have a trained First Aider available on site in case of a medical emergency.