THE NORTH Armidale Tennis club has made a bid to sell half its courts after a decline in membership meant difficulty in paying for running costs.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Celebrating its 50th anniversary in April, president Mick Duncan said membership at the club had been in decline for the past five years with the average member being 70 years old.
“People in Armidale just aren’t committing to regular competitive activity,” he said.
Mr Duncan has also flagged a need for upcoming repairs on old sewerage and water systems for the club. “It’s somewhat primitive,” he said. In response, the club asked Armidale Dumaresq Council to look at selling three of its six courts.
Mr Duncan said the club was looking at selling the courts to another passive sport group in Armidale like netball.
“About 18 to 24 months ago someone contacted us about having croquet played on the field,” he said.
“We are asking for modest support … on the basis that we are largely self-sufficient.”
Mr Duncan also requested for Council to add the club’s $1100 insurance policy to its portfolio.
“It is our single biggest expense,” he said. Mr Duncan said the club would be open to paying Council either partially or in full for the insurance on the basis that it would be cheaper bundled with other costs.
On Monday night Council agreed to look at covering the clubhouse’s insurance and selling three of the courts in a future workshop.