Question 1

How do I join DPTC?

Accepted Answer

It's very easy to join.  Just complete the application form on the Membership page, which will be reviewed by our membership team prior to contacting you.   If you'd like to try out the club before committing, just contact membership@donabatetennis.com for details.

Question 2

How do I get my Junior Member(s) playing?

Accepted Answer

The club runs a very successful Junior Coaching Programme.  There are number of excellent coaches linked with our club who will give either individual or group coaching. Please see coaching section for details of junior coaching programmes and other events.  For advice please contact: juniorcommittee@donabatetennis.com

Question 3

I’m thinking of joining the club but have never played before, can I come down and try it out first?

Accepted Answer

New adult players are welcome to come and play as a visitor at our tennis social on a Saturday morning at 9.30 to 11am.   You can visit 3 times before fully committing. All beginner/improvers/advanced players welcome. Rackets and balls are available in the club.  If you wish to attend please contact membership@donabatetennis.com.   
Junior players can also come an try out, just contact juniorcommittee@donabatetennis.com (juniorcommittee@donabatetennis.com)to see what can be arranged.

Question 4

We don’t have a racket could we borrow one?

Accepted Answer

Tennis rackets and balls are provided for social tennis/coaching sessions. Tennis balls are now available for purchase from the Pro-shop.

Question 5

Is there a charge for these trial visits?

Accepted Answer

No there is no charge for a new adult member trying out over 3 occasions on a Saturday morning from 9.30am to 11am.

Question 6

My Junior is a member but I don’t play. Are there opportunities for them to play with other juniors?

Accepted Answer

There are plenty of fun events throughout the year including Teen Tennis, Junior Social Tennis and camps during term holidays. All these are recommended as they make friends while developing a taste for tennis and having fun!
 
For advice please contact: juniorcommittee@donabatetennis.com

Question 7

Do I need to be able to play to a specific standard?

Accepted Answer

No. Players of all abilities are welcome to join DPTC. The Club actively encourages everyone to participate.  From beginners to experienced, and anyone returning to the game after some time out - just come along and join in.   There's adult social tennis nearly every day, so you don’t even need a partner.  Our social tennis caters for all levels of players.

Question 8

What are the options for membership can I choose from?

Accepted Answer

• See membership page for details.

Question 9

How do we organise games with other juniors?

Accepted Answer

We have Junior social tennis for age 9-12yrs at 16.30-18.00 & Teen Tennis for age 13-18 at 18.00-19.30 each Saturday - please visit section of Junior Social.   These are dependant on volunteers to supervise being available.
 
We also have a Junior Social and Junior Members WhatsApp groups to keep you updated or organise games with juniors of similar age/ability.  Upon completion of your membership, please email us at juniorcommittee@donabatetennis.com if you would like to be added to these groups.

Question 10

Do parents/guardians need to stay at Junior Social Tennis or Round Robin matches?

Accepted Answer

At Junior Socials unless you have volunteered to supervise you do not need to stay.   For RR you would need to remain while your junior is on court as per our Child Policy.

Question 11

What are the club membership fees?

Accepted Answer

There are different membership types available.  See the membership page.

Question 12

Where do we drop/collect our juniors/teens for tennis?

Accepted Answer

Juniors U12 are to be dropped to and collected from the courts by their parent/guardian.  All juniors are to walk to the courts from the car park. 
 
It is not permitted to drop juniors at the roadside. 
 
Teens can walk to and from courts alone, where permitted.

Question 13

How can the membership fees be paid?

Accepted Answer

Membership is on a rolling 12 month period and the initial payment is made via the Membership page.  All renewal payments are taken via Acebook using PayPal.   You will be notified prior to your expiry date.

Question 14

Are there any junior competitions for my junior?

Accepted Answer

Yes! There are internal competitions such as Round Robin, Adult & Child events.

Question 15

Do I have to pay all the fee upfront or do you have a phased payment scheme?

Accepted Answer

There is one yearly payment and Acebook will notify you when this is due.  Unfortunately, as our club is run by volunteers only, we do not offer a phased payment scheme at this time

Question 16

How can we help out?

Accepted Answer

We are always looking for help on our committee or at junior events. Please email us at membership@donabatetennis.com to find out how you can help.

Question 17

What period does the membership year apply to?

Accepted Answer

Donabate Portrane Tennis Club membership is on a rolling year basis, so it's next due 12 months after the day of your joining and each subsequent anniversary of that date.

Question 18

Are there any joining fees?

Accepted Answer

There are no joining fees currently. They may become payable for new members in future years (amount TBD) and will be payable once only, in advance, in the first year of membership, and are not payable when transferring from one membership type to another (e.g. from junior to adult).

Question 19

Are there any additional costs?

Accepted Answer

Lights & Coaching.
 
There are automatic sensor lights on each court, they are used if you wish to play after daylight hours usually between October and April.  The lights are automatic and fees will be taken when you book the court. 
 
Coaching is also available, either group or one to one. 
All details will be given on completion of your membership.

Question 20

Can I apply for joint Golf and Tennis Club membership?

Accepted Answer

Yes. For the Joint Golf Club and Tennis Club membership application process you will need to provide your Donabate Golf Club Membership number on the application form.

Question 21

Can I get coaching at the Club?

Accepted Answer

At DPTC we can provide professional tennis coaching for all levels. There are various options to receive tennis coaching, in both groups or on a one to one basis for juniors and adults.  Please see the coaching information page (javascript:void(0))for coaching sessions.

Question 22

Are there opportunities to play in matches?

Accepted Answer

There is a very active social tennis scene at DPTC, in addition Round Robins, Tournaments, Team Events as well as league options are available to all, the later depending on your skill level.

Question 23

Do you take part in any interclub competitions?

Accepted Answer

Yes, these currently consist of the following, however please keep an eye out on our competition section for regular updates.
Dublin Lawn Tennis Council Leagues [DLTC]
The club enters mens, ladies and mixed-teams in DLTC leagues throughout the year.
As a new club we endeavour to enter as many teams as determined by the number of members wishing to participate.
 • Winter league – January-March; 3 doubles pairings
 • Summer league – May-July; 3 singles, 2 doubles pairings
 • Mixed league – July-August; 3 mixed doubles pairings
 • Senior league – September-November; 3 doubles pairings
 • Floodlight league -October -December; 4 on a team, draw 2 singles and 1 doubles on night of match
Fingal League
This is an inter-club league run in April/May. This league is a good steppingstone to DLTC League participation.
Inter-Club Competitions
From time to time we will arrange friendly matches with other local clubs to gain experience of match play and just to be social!

Question 24

I’m a member now, what facilities can I use?"

Accepted Answer

The Bar, Restaurant, Changing & Shower facilities, etc. are available for you to use.

Question 25

Are there any car parking facilities at the club?

Accepted Answer

Players are welcome to use the car park of the Donabate Golf Club with whom we share facilities and club house with.

Question 26

How do I access the Courtside Cabin?

Accepted Answer

The access codes to both the cabin and individual court gates are given to all new members following completion of membership. These are changed as required.

Question 27

Is the club open to non-members to use the courts?

Accepted Answer

Non-members can only use the facilities when booked in and accompanied by a member.  Fee €10 for adult and €5.00 Junior up to 10 visits per year.   Accompanying members are responsible for payment of fees for their guests, this can be performed via the court booking system.

Question 28

As a member can I bring down friends to play against?

Accepted Answer

As above members can bring a guest to play against and who knows they may like it and wish to join us!  When booking the court, you use the “Guest player” option on the court booking system, Acebook. See details of fees above

Question 29

Is there a limit to the number of times I can invite guests to join me to play at the club?

Accepted Answer

Members are entitled to invite a friend to use the club and its facilities if a guest visits does not exceed more than 10 times in any one rolling year.  Junior members are only allowed one visitor at any one time provided a guest does not use the facilities for more than 10 times in any calendar year and are supervised by parent/guardian.

Question 30

What if, as a member, I just want to bring a guest for a drink in the club?"

Accepted Answer

Members of the DPTC are also members of the Donabate Golf Club and therefore can bring guest/s to the bar.

Question 31

How do I book a court?

Accepted Answer

All courts are booked online via the court booking system, AceBook.   Access to this will be given following completion of membership.

Question 32

How often can I play?

Accepted Answer

Courts are booked using the online booking system and may be booked 1 week in advance.  Courts can be booked for a maximum of 90-minute slots (30 or 60-min slots are available), time might be restricted to 60 minute slots during peak hours.  
 
Each player may have a maximum of 5 live booking during none peek times and 3 live booking in peek times.  (a live booking is a booking which has not yet been played).

Question 33

Are the courts open all day?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the courts are available for booking from 8am to 10pm 7 days a week. 
The courts are available to junior members as follows:
 • U8 to 6pm
 • U14 to 8pm
 • U18 to 10pm
U12 players are supervised by parent/guardian while playing.

Question 34

What are the opening hours of the the courts?

Accepted Answer

The courts are available to members for booking from 8am to 10pm 7 days a week.

Question 35

Can I book a court to play without being a club member?

Accepted Answer

As a members only club, our courts are not available for public bookings. However, to encourage players you can of course play with an existing member. Alternatively, as a adult, you can try out the on a Saturday morning in our Beginners/Improvers Social from 9.30am to 11am.  Rackets can be provided.   To Try Out please contact membership@donabatetennis.com (membership@donabatetennis.com)so you can be booked in.   We would love to see you.

Question 36

How do I pay for membership?

Accepted Answer

Initial payments will be organised when joining the club.   Renewal payments can be made using PayPal via Acebook, our court booking system.   You will be notified in advance when your annual fees are due for renewal.

Question 37

Will children need to wear tennis / club clothing on court?

Accepted Answer

No, club clothing or all whites are not mandatory at DPTC.  Members must wear suitable footwear (good grip) to ensure members safety on court.
Clothing:  Any suitable tennis clothing is permitted; however, the club dress code excludes the wearing of football tops and shorts, basketball tops and shorts or any other articles of clothing that are not designed as tennis attire.

Question 38

What do I need to wear on court / do I need to wear club clothing?

Accepted Answer

No, club clothing or all whites are not mandatory at DPTC. 
 
Footwear:  All members must wear proper tennis shoes (any colour) to ensure members safety on court.
Clothing:  Any suitable tennis clothing is permitted; however, the club dress code excludes the wearing of football tops and shorts, basketball tops and shorts or any other articles of clothing that are not designed as tennis attire.

Question 39

I don’t know anyone in the club? How do I meet people?

Accepted Answer

There are many people like you just starting with us, don’t worry we are here to help.  Socials are an excellent to meet members and these are held daily, please contact membership@donabatetennis.com for details or see out schedule on 
social tennis page(javascript:void(0))
.

Question 40

Can non-members attend Social Events?

Accepted Answer

Our Social events are primarily for members but guests are very welcome for some of our events.  Keep an eye out on our 
events page f(javascript:void(0))or all upcoming events.

Question 41

How do I get my Junior Member(s) playing?

Accepted Answer

Coaching is available to non-members and is a good start if you are not sure about joining the club, you can contact our coach, Stephen Murtagh to arrange this, see Coaching page for details.  
As a member, the club runs a very successful Junior Coaching Programme.  There are number of excellent coaches linked with our club who will give either individual or group coaching. Please see coaching section for details of adult & junior coaching programmes and other events.

Question 42

My Junior is a member but I don’t play. Are there opportunities for them to play with other juniors?

Accepted Answer

There are plenty of fun events throughout the year including Teen Tennis, Junior Social Tennis and camps during term holidays. All these are recommended as they make friends while developing a taste for tennis and having fun!

Question 43

How do we organise games with other juniors?

Accepted Answer

We have Junior social tennis for age 9-12yrs at 16.30-18.00 & Teen Tennis for age 13-18 at 18.00-19.30 each Saturday. Please refer to Junior Social Section. 
We also have a Junior Social and Junior Members WhatsApp groups to keep you updated or organise games with juniors of similar age/ability.

Question 44

As a parent, do I need to stay at junior Social Tennis or Round Robin matches?"

Accepted Answer

In order for Junior Social tennis to run we must have an adult supervisor with our coach. If you are not the supervisor that week, it is ok to leave your child. Parents are asked to supervise Round Robin matches for age 12 and under.

Question 45

Are there any competitions for my junior player?

Accepted Answer

Yes! There are internal competitions such as Round Robin, Adult & Child events during the year.  We have also been fortunate to have enough players for the U12 and U14 Stars and Stripes Tournament. These are external competitions, and usually take place in the Autumn and Spring. Players get to play other clubs around North Co Dublin.  We also look to enter teams into Leinster U12 and U18 League, where possible and DLTC U14 and U18 league. For further information on the above please see compeition section.

Question 46

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