Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions about Mahony Tennis coaching, lessons, camps and safeguarding. Where helpful, we’ve included links to more detailed information.
Parents of junior players can also view our dedicated Junior Parent FAQ section for guidance on getting started and what to expect.
Who are Mahony Tennis?
Mahony Tennis provides professional tennis coaching in Downton and the Salisbury area, with over 25 years’ experience coaching juniors and adults. Meet The Coaches >
Where does coaching take place?
Most sessions take place at Downton Tennis Centre, near Salisbury, using indoor and outdoor courts year-round. Our Venue - Downton Tennis Centre >
What ages do you coach?
We coach juniors aged 4–18 and adults of all abilities, from beginners to highly competitive players.
Find out more about Junior Coaching & Adult Coaching >
My child is new to tennis — how do we start?
New junior players can start with a taster session, tennis camp or individual lesson. We’re happy to advise on the best option. Email or call us to find out more >
Do juniors need to be members?
Yes. All junior players must be members of Downton Tennis Centre to join term-time coaching programmes.
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Ages 4–7: FREE – includes mini courts & hitting wall
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Ages 8–10: £35/year – includes outdoor court access
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Ages 11–17: £60/year – includes outdoor court access
Find out more & join here >
Do you run tennis camps during school holidays?
Yes. We run holiday tennis camps for ages 5–16, suitable for beginners and experienced players. View our upcoming camps & how the day runs here >
Do you offer adult tennis coaching?
Yes. We offer group coaching, beginner courses, competitive sessions and individual lessons for adults. Find out more here >
Do you offer private tennis lessons?
Yes. Individual lessons are available for juniors and adults, both indoors and outdoors. We can also coach at private homes, subject to availability. Please contact us to discuss rates and scheduling.
View individual lessons & pricing >
What is your cancellation policy?
Individual Lessons (Juniors & Adults)
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24 hours’ notice required to cancel or rearrange.
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Less than 24 hours’ notice will be charged in full.
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Fees may be waived in exceptional circumstances, at the coach’s discretion.
Adult Pay & Play Groups (Tennis Morning / Cardio Tennis)
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12 hours’ notice required after confirming a place.
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Less than 12 hours’ notice will be charged in full.
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In exceptional cases, charges may be waived — please contact the session coach.
Tennis Camps
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48 hours’ notice required to cancel and receive a credit valid for 1 year.
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If a camp cannot run due to safety reasons, a 1-year credit will be issued.
Are your coaches qualified and DBS checked?
Yes. All Mahony Tennis coaches are LTA qualified, DBS checked, and work in line with LTA safeguarding best practice.
We also use Tennis Leaders to support qualified coaches in larger groups and tennis camps. Tennis Leaders work under direct supervision and follow the same safeguarding standards.
Who is the Safeguarding Officer at Downton Tennis Centre?
Downton Tennis Centre has a dedicated Safeguarding Officer.
John Gibbons is the first point of contact for children, parents, adults and coaches to raise any safeguarding or welfare concerns, however small.
Contact details:
📞 07786 653689
📧 saintjmg@hotmail.com
All safeguarding concerns are taken seriously and handled in line with LTA safeguarding policies and best practice.
Junior Tennis – Parent FAQs
What age can my child start tennis?
Children can start tennis from age 4, using age-appropriate equipment and games designed to build confidence and coordination.
My child has never played tennis — is that OK?
Absolutely. Many children join with no previous tennis experience. Our Mini Tennis and Foundation groups are specifically designed for beginners.
How do I know which group my child should join?
Groups are primarily based on age, to ensure players train and compete against relative peers, and follow the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) competition age system (based on year of birth).
From there, experience and confidence are considered when placing players within Foundation, Development or Performance groups. These pathways are explained in more detail on our Junior Coaching page. If you’re unsure, please contact us and we’ll be happy to advise.
Can my child try tennis before committing?
Yes. New players are welcome to book a taster session before joining a term-time coaching programme. The venue allows of 3 sessons to be attended before Downton Tennis Centre memerbship is required.
Does my child need to be a member to attend coaching?
Yes. All junior players must be members of Downton Tennis Centre to take part in term-time coaching. The venue allows of 3 sessons to be attended before Downton Tennis Centre memerbship is required.
Does my child need their own racket?
It helps, but it’s not essential to start. We have rackets available to borrow, particularly for younger players and tennis camps.
If you’d like to purchase a racket, our coaches can advise on the correct size, grip and weight, and can order Babolat rackets. We’ve partnered with Babolat for many years and offer competitive rates, though you’re also welcome to source a racket independently if you prefer.
What should my child wear for tennis?
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Sportswear
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Trainers
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Weather-appropriate layers
No specialist tennis clothing is required.
Do sessions include match play and competition?
Yes. As players move through Foundation, Development and Performance groups, sessions include match play and competition. The best way to improve at matches is simply to play more matches and enter tournaments — nothing replaces real competition experience.
Do you run tennis during school holidays?
Yes. We run holiday tennis camps for ages 5–16, which are a great way to build skills, confidence and enjoyment of the game. Find out more here >
Contact
Downton Tennis Centre, Downton Tennis Centre, Wick Ln, Downton, Salisbury SP5 3NF
07788 791328
