18

What separates a functioning sports club from one that thrives usually comes down to administration and member engagement. A good club has clear communication about fees, court or facility booking systems that actually work, and leadership that listens when members raise concerns. Coaching standards matter—whether instructors have relevant qualifications and can work with mixed ability levels. The physical upkeep speaks loudly: are courts properly maintained, are changing facilities clean, are facilities available when members expect them? Clubs that survive tend to diversify their offerings slightly—hosting social events, welcoming non-members for casual use, or running beginner programmes. The best indicator of a solid club is whether long-term members stay and newcomers feel welcome.