ARC Winter Open - Enter now!

 
 

The 2022 ARC Winter Open will take place during the week of 22nd to 30th October. The various events will be played on evenings and weekends throughout the week, with set days for each event (therefore you only need to be available on the evening/day of your event).

All matches will be played indoors and in the Fast Four Format. They will be either compass drawn or Round Robin so there will be lots of tennis in each event.

  • Saturday 22nd October - Mens & Ladies Vets’ Doubles (Men 12pm, Ladies 3pm)

  • Sunday 23rd October - Mixed Doubles (10am)

  • Tuesday 25th October & Wednesday 26th October - Ladies Singles & Mens Doubles (6pm)

  • Thursday 27th October & Friday 28th October - Mens Singles (6pm)

  • Saturday 29th October - Ladies Doubles (10am)

  • Sunday 30th October - Mixed Doubles Vets (10am)

Entries close on the 12th October. If you enjoyed the ARC Club Championships, then please play in this!

Any questions, please contact competitions@atlanticracquetcentre.co.uk or Marian 07712 216831

We’re looking forward to seeing you all there as this was a great event last year with lots of tennis and lots of fun!

Part-Time Coaching Roles at ARC

Are you a qualified Tennis, Badminton or Table Tennis coach? Or are you interested in completing tour qualifications?

We are currently recruiting for part-time coaches across all 3 racquet sports, opportunities range from between 3 - 20 hours per week.

Successful applicants will work as one of our ‘Club Coaches’ delivering on court sessions to both children and adults. Hours will be based on termly demand with no guaranteed or set number of hours and could be a combination of weekly evening, daytime and weekend work as well as occasional cover work. Becoming an ARC approved coach will also afford the successful applicant the opportunity to offer individual lessons at the centre also on a self-employed basis.

The ideal candidate will be a Level 2 or 3 qualified coach with current LTA/BE/TTE License. They will be enthusiastic and passionate about developing and retaining players in their sport and will have experience in doing so at other clubs/centres. They will be committed to continual professional development as a coach and will be able to provide evidence of this.

Less experienced applicants including newly qualified Level 2’s or experienced Level 1’s are also welcome to apply with the possibility of some additional unpaid coaching experience and mentoring available to the successful applicant. 

Positions work on a self-employed basis with the  -potential for this to grow with increased demand. Pay will be based on qualification and experience.

 

Acceptance will be subject to satisfactory references and a DBS check.

 

If you are interested in applying, please send your CV and names of 2 referees to hannah@atlanticracquetcentre.co.uk.

If you would like any further information regarding the position, please contact Hannah Miller – hannah@atlanticracquetcentre.co.uk

ARC Awards Evening

On Saturday 27th November we held our first ever awards evening and we had a lot of awards to give out to all our fantastic members and volunteers. Here’s all our winners!

ARC Awards Evening Winners & Runners Up

We have a whole host of events for next year and we hope to see you all here. Maybe you could be one of our winners in next years ARC Awards Evening! Follow us on Instagram and like us on Facebook to be notified of any upcoming events.

You can also contact us at info@atlanticracquetcentre.co.uk or by phone: 07587782675

Customer Survey Results

We’d like to again thank everyone who took part in our recent customer survey in September. 150 people shared their views, made suggestions and helped us work to continue to improve our fantastic community racquet & fitness centre.

You can view the full survey results here.

Everyone who entered their name at the end of the survey was entered into a prize draw to win £100 to spend at the centre. We’re pleased to announce that the winner of this draw was…

🎉 CLAIRE LEWIS 🎉

Congratulations Claire! To claim your prize simply contact our admin team – info@atlanticracquetcentre.co.uk

North Devon Tennis League Success for Team ARC!

ARC Team Tennis End of Season Report 2021

October marked the end of the North Devon Tennis league for 2021. Covid restrictions led to an abbreviated season this year with teams playing 50% of the matches they would usually play, but this didn’t dampen the excitement of our players who were delighted to return to competitive Tennis after the events of 2020.

A total of 90 Tennis & Premium members represented team ARC this season across the various divisions and events. Relative success was shared by the majority of teams but particular emphasis must be applied to the Ladies’ Open A and Ladies’ Open C teams who both completed the ‘clean sweep’ winning both their division and the cup event that partners it. Likewise the Men’s Open A and Men’s Open E teams managed to gain second place in both of their division and cup events respectively. Winning success was found also by our Ladies’ Vet’s A team who won their division and the mixed doubles Houldsworth Cup A Team who became Runner’s Up.

Team Tennis Captains Lottie Miles, Tom Farnell & Alex Wingent said: “Overall a very good season for all involved considering the conditions and the struggle for players. Everyone we’ve spoken to seems to have enjoyed the season and were very glad to be back to competitive tennis. We’re hoping to have even more players interested in representing ARC next season and helping us achieve some even better results”.

We’d like to say a huge congratulations to everyone who took park in the league this year and represented team ARC so well. Now get booking those indoor courts and keep practicing over the winter ready for 2022!

You can see the full results below:

Men’s Open Team Results

Men’s A – 2nd in Division 1 + Runner’s Up in the Knockout Cup.
Men’s B – 6th in Division 1
Men’s C – 5th in Division 1
Men’s D – 4th in Division 2
Men’s E – 2nd in Division 3 + Runner’s Up in the Pete Stacey Cup
Men’s F – 5th in Division 3
Men’s G – 4th in Division 4

Ladies Open Team Results

Ladies’ A - 1st in Division 1 & Winners of Knockout Cup
Ladies’ B - 6th in Division 1
Ladies’ C - 1st Division 2 & Winners of Pete Stacey Cup
Ladies’ D - 7th in Division 2
Ladies’ E - 6th in Division 3

Ladies Vet’s Team Results

Ladies’ Vet’s A - 1st in Division 1
Ladies’ Vet’s B – 5th in Division 1

Houldsworth Cup Team Results (Mixed Doubles)

ARC A – Runner’s Up.

An Update On Our New Gym!

Hello to the ARC community. I am Tom Chambers your new gym and fitness manager. Since starting at the beginning of September I have been busy designing and planning our new gym so I am pleased to be able to offer you all an update.  

The gym will be called ARC Fitness. It will boast a large functional training area and offer a top-quality range of free weights and cardio equipment. Only this week we have put plans into effect by ordering the equipment.  

The kit-out will include x17 cardio equipment options including, bikes, rowers, skiergs, a cross trainer and treadmill. A full range of free weights including barbells and plates, dumbbells, kettlebells and slam/sand/medicine balls. We also have a few fixed weight machines such as bench press, leg press, cable column. 

The gym program will offer open gym access throughout the day. In addition, we will start with several classes running each day including our signature functional fitness class, HiiT and a tennis specific class.

The current timeline is for the gym to be opened by December. I hope that you find it as exciting as we do to welcome the latest offering to the Centre (as well as finally getting changing facilities!)

I will be looking to hold some free taster sessions in the time between now and opening so please get involved.

Finally, do get in touch with any gym related questions, I will be providing more updates and details of memberships shortly!!

Tom Chambers
Gym & Fitness Manager
Mobile: 07833797531
Email: gym@atlanticracquetcentre.co.uk

ARC Awards Evening 2021

Saturday 27th November 2021 - 7.00pm - 8.00pm

We’re excited to be hosting the first ever ARC Awards Evening on Saturday 27th November at 7pm. The event will take place here at ARC, so wrap-up warm as we can’t promise the heating will be ready by then!

The evening is open to ARC members of all ages and their families to get together, have a drink and celebrate a successful year of racquet sport across Tennis, Badminton and Table Tennis. Awards will cover everything including most improved players, volunteer of the year, club championship winners, special recognition awards and many more.

We’ll be running a small bar selling refreshments and nibbles to keep you going through all the clapping and cheering and the centre will stay open until 9.30pm for those wanting to continue to socialise after the awards have finished.

We’ll look forward to seeing as many of you there as possible.

 
ARC Awards Evening 2021.png
 

We're Hiring - General Manager Role

Atlantic Racquet Centre: General Manager Role

Atlantic Racquet Centre (ARC) are seeking to appoint a general manager to be accountable and responsible for all activities involving ARC, ensuring that the facility is sustainable, fully functional and operational on a day-to-day basis and delivering a user experience of the highest quality.

 The general manager is answerable to the Board of Trustees and will be responsible for delivery of the long-term objectives of the Charity.  The general manager will take an active role in strategic decision making, business planning, will be the custodian of the ARC Vision, mission and community values, and will be responsible for all day-to-day activities.

 Overall responsibility for the operational profit and loss of the centre will sit with the general manager including monthly reporting to the Board of Trustees, together with overall programming responsibility including coaching programmes, court hire and the outreach programme.  The role will involve directing and overseeing all racquet sport activity and ensuring our coaches deliver a high standard at all times.

 The general manager will also oversee the activities of the gym manager and contribute to the successful operation of the gym and fitness activities at ARC.

 The general manager will oversee all bar and catering activities.

 The general manager will also take on direct responsibility for site health & safety, statutory obligations, upkeep/maintenance & safeguarding. Also ensuring staff and contractors are appropriately trained and that rotas are in place for all key activities.

 The Essential requirements of the successful candidate:

 ·         Experiencing in managing a sports facility that operates with a mix of membership and general users

·         Experience in growing a centre and a programme that fits the needs of the users, understanding the mix between competing revenue streams

·         Experience of motivating and working with volunteers

·         Understanding and delivering the charitable aims and objectives of ARC

·         Strong leadership and team management skills

·         Prepared to take on a challenge

·         Safeguarding Level 1

 Additional skills:

 ·         A special interest in Racquet Sports

·         Proven track record in growing a facility programme and utilisation

·         Experience of managing a volunteer programme

·         Experience of delivering a charitable vision and ambition

·         Experience of grant applications and bid writing

·         Additional safeguarding training

 

Position type:  Permanent

Salary:             £30,000 - £40,000 dependent upon experience

Hours:             40 hours per week with some unsociable hours being required

 Employer:        ARC Centre Ltd and ARC Tennis & Sports Club

 References:     2 Referees will be required

 DBS:                 Satisfactory DBS check will be required

 How to apply:  Covering letter + CV in email format to info@atlanticracquetcentre.co.uk

 Closing date:   Sunday 27 June

 Interviews:      Week commencing 28 June

 Start date:       September 2021

The Cat That Loved Racquet Sport

In February 2021 we were very sad to have to say goodbye to our beloved Tennis Cat. The third Covid-19 lockdown was a particularly cold and wet one and whilst he was cared for fantastically by our amazing volunteers who visited him every day for a feed and a cuddle, it was decided that now was time to find Tennis Cat a more permanent home. During his entire life with us he’s been extremely well cared for, not least due to the amazing support of Gareth Cross and the team at Witten Park Vets in Northam. However, with his age unknown, and his future uncertain with the opening of our full facility later this year, we decided that it was in his best interests for us to find him a retirement home. It was during the process of getting him formally adopted by one of our lovely Tennis members, Lynn, that the full details of the mysterious ‘Cat that loved racquet sport’ came to light. As a final farewell to our long serving mascot, we wanted to share his story.

Tennis Cat keeping an eye on the Davis Cup Trophy tour at ARC in 2016

Tennis Cat keeping an eye on the Davis Cup Trophy tour at ARC in 2016

Enjoying one of his favourite sun bathing spots!

Enjoying one of his favourite sun bathing spots!

When the first balls were hit on the brand-new outdoor tennis courts at ARC in spring 2015 the elated members & coaches of ARC believed that they were the new lords of the land in this beautiful new countryside setting on the edge of Bideford – how wrong they were. From the very first time the courts were used there was a quiet by curious presence on the site. The biggest Tabby cat you’ve ever seen stood guard over the land which he had owned before us, staking his claim to it on a daily basis.

In the early days people were unsure of how to react to the feline figure who greeted them as they arrived for their afternoon game. He did after all resemble more of a puma or cheetah than a gentle house cat. However before long his temperament shone through – always willing to stroked, never scratching, and always begging to be fed! The anonymous cat went through a sundry of names during this period – Roger (Federer), Socks (due to his white feet) and Catlantic (A pun on the ARC brand) to name a few. However, it wasn’t long before his final name stuck. He was never far from our coaching team, two of whom have always been referred to as ‘the Tennis Tom’s’ by the younger members of ARC, and so the sidekick nickname of Tennis Cat became the chosen title.

Tennis Cat in his house

Tennis Cat in his house

By early 2016 Tennis Cat or ‘TC’ for short was so much a part of the centre that he even had his own wooden house complete with name tag. Between spending hours basking in the sun, being stroked on somebody’s lap, playing tag with groups of children of varying ages and pouncing on the occasional stray tennis ball, Tennis Cat loved nothing more than to sit and watch people play Tennis; or even better - have something to eat whilst watching people play Tennis! It didn’t matter what time of day, what weather, who was playing, Tennis Cat was always present at ARC. He cheered on our league teams, supported our youngest players in coaching sessions and consoled those who had suffered defeats. He truly was the most friendly and loyal cat. He even once befriended a police officer who would come to check the security of ARC during night shifts. It had such an effect that the same officer made a special trip to ARC to say goodbye to TC before he moved to be stationed to a different part of the country! Despite his friendship with an officer of the law, he wasn’t always in the good books. In summer 2017 he snuck into the temporary clubhouse during a lady’s league game and devoured an entire quiche that had been baked freshly for the post match tea – its safe to say he wasn’t in his cat house that evening but was very much in the doghouse instead!

Tennis Cat helping to referee an indoor tournament in 2020

Tennis Cat helping to referee an indoor tournament in 2020

In January 2018, the members of ARC were kind enough to build Tennis Cat the biggest indoor cat playground ever known to felines. We called it our Indoor Tennis & Badminton Hall – TC had other ideas. Despite our best efforts to keep him outside, Tennis Cat would make daily rounds of the Indoor Tennis and Badminton courts to see the latest racquet sport drama unfolding. It was at this time that we realised that TC wasn’t just bias to watching Tennis – those flying feathered shuttlecocks proved to be just as irresistible as fluffy tennis balls! He’d often be found curled up on a comfortable chair stacked neatly behind the court curtains, hoping to go unnoticed so as to spend the night locked inside his upsized cat shed!

The cat not afraid of dogs

The cat not afraid of dogs

Not only was Tennis Cat a fierce Racquet sport fan and valued coaching assistant but he also carried out an important job for us – he kept our unwanted rodent friends at bay as well as a few more friendly species too sadly! Many mornings the staff were greeted by the results of the previous evening’s hunting – including mice, rats, birds, rabbits, and squirrels! He was also sure that ARC would not become the favoured spot of canines. Never before had anyone anywhere seen a fully grown Alsatian quiver and run from a cat. It didn’t matter what species, big or small, Tennis Cat would not tolerate dogs on his patch and would hold his ground intently until they scarpered! Whilst he was a very capable hunter, he was lucky enough to not have to rely on this for his food. A dedicated group of volunteers shared a rota to feed Tennis Cat every single day of the year – including bringing him some Turkey on Christmas Day each year! On top of this core group of volunteer’s countless other members and users would make special trips up to the centre to bring TC their tasty leftovers, donate some food to his supply, or simply to give him a cuddle. We’re really pleased that one of these volunteers, Lynn, has agreed to permanently adopt Tennis Cat at her home in Bideford where he is now living with the apt new name of Thomas!

Tennis Cat hiding in somebody's Tennis bag!

Tennis Cat hiding in somebody's Tennis bag!

Whilst we all got used to seeing Tennis Cat every day, a huge mystery surrounded his life before ARC. Often people would ask “where did he come from?”, “how old is he?”, “does he have another home?”. Many theories were banded around about our fluffy friend’s origins. Some said he was a farm cat who had abandoned his farmer in search of a better life in the racquet & fitness industry. Others believed he snuck back to a little old lady’s house every evening for his supper and milk before returning to the courts at the crack of dawn the next morning. All of the various theories were valid – but our answer was always simple – “he was here before us and this is his racquet centre”. For years Tennis Cat’s true identity as a mystery, he lived happily under the radar leading us to believe he had always been a stray. It wasn’t until February 2021 when we took him to the Vets to arrange his adoption that the cat was finally let out of the bag - if you’ll excuse the pun.

Puck aka Tennis Cat as a kitten in 2010

Puck aka Tennis Cat as a kitten in 2010

This feline fugitive who had shown an uncanny love of racquet sport was actually named ‘Puck’. Puck, named after the mischievous fairy who delights in playing pranks on mortals in Shakespeare’s a Midsummer Night’s Dream, was 11 years old and as it turns out had been playing a prank on us mortals at ARC for the past 6 years, leading us to believe he was a wild stray. In fact, he had run away from his home, in nearby Moreton Park Road, 9 years ago in 2012. His owner Chloe had let him out one day and never seen him again! Little did she know that he’d been living approximately 1 mile away on the fringes of Caddsdown Industrial Estate the whole time. What he was doing for the 3 years prior to ARC being built will forever be a mystery, but one thing is certain – he is a very tough and clever Cat. We do know that before we arrived, he was often seen at the nearby Bideford Recycling Centre – maybe he decided he was more interest in sport than recycling? Or perhaps he was unaware of our delay in gaining planning permission when he set out on his journey for a new life in racquet sport and made his move too early?

Either way its fair to say that Tennis Cat was universally adored by the members and users of ARC and will be fiercely missed. Whilst we’re extremely sad that he won’t be around anymore we’re really pleased that he’s found a loving home with Lynn and are looking forward to receiving updates and hearing stories from the next chapter of his life. We’re sure he’ll have a purrrfect retirement.

Written by Tom Vinall 24/02/2021

Turkey for Christmas Dinner every year since 2015!

Turkey for Christmas Dinner every year since 2015!

Always time for a nap!

Always time for a nap!

A regular sight on the decking next to the outside Tennis courts

A regular sight on the decking next to the outside Tennis courts

TC with his racquet & bag!

TC with his racquet & bag!

Curled up for the night

Curled up for the night

We all know who was really in charge at ARC

We all know who was really in charge at ARC…

Closed For Now

We’re very sad to be closing the centre once again as part of the nationwide England lockdown. Whilst its a shame to close our amazing facility we completely support the government’s action and are proud to be supporting the national effort to protect the NHS and save lives.

During this period the majority of our staff will be furloughed but our Centre Manager will be available for some limited hours to respond to emails/voicemails so if you have any questions please do get in touch but expect a delayed response.

We’re looking forward to seeing you all back as soon as possible to share in the physical and mental health benefits that we know sport provides.

Closed for now.jpg

Find Your Fit This January

ARC has partnered with G4 Gym in Bideford to bring you a programme of great fitness sessions here at the centre. Whether you’re looking to improve your fitness or build up your strength & flexibility to prevent injury we’ve got a brilliant range of sessions for you starting from January 4th 2021.

ALL SESSIONS MUST BE PRE-BOOKED IN ADVANCE USING CLUBSPARK - OUR ONLINE BOOKING SYSTEM

FULL BODY WORKOUT

Tuesdays 6.45pm - 7.30pm
Saturdays 8.00am - 8.45am
£6.00 Members / £7.00 Non-Members

Our full body workout is a great session for anyone wanting to lose weight, get toned or improve their general fitness. Each session will include a mixture of cardio, strength and flexibility exercises focusing on different muscle groups. You’ll improve your overall fitness whilst developing your strength, balance and co-ordination. The session will be delivered by a friendly and experienced expert instructor from G4 Gym in partnership with ARC, and will take place on one of our Indoor Tennis Courts. All equipment is provided so you just need to come along with a drink, sports clothing and be ready to get moving!

BOOK YOUR SESSION

BEGINNER FULL BODY WORKOUT

Mondays 9.30am - 10.15am
£6.00 Members / £7.00 Non-Members

Our full body workout is a great session for anyone wanting to lose weight, get toned or improve their general fitness. Each session will include a mixture of cardio, strength and flexibility exercises focusing on different muscle groups. You’ll improve your overall fitness whilst developing your strength, balance and co-ordination. The session will be delivered by a friendly and experienced expert instructor from G4 Gym in partnership with ARC, and will take place on one of our Indoor Tennis Courts. All equipment is provided so you just need to come along with a drink, sports clothing and be ready to get moving!

BOOK YOUR SESSION

CARDIO TENNIS

Tuesdays 10.00am - 11.00am
Saturdays 9.00am - 10.00am
£6.00 Members / £7.00 Non-Members

A fun, sociable group fitness class set on a tennis court and open to people of all ages and abilities. Supported by music and qualified instructors, you'll get to hit loads of tennis balls during your class and have a great cardio workout at the same time. No Tennis skills required - but you’ll definitely pick some up along the way! All equipment is provided so you just need to come along with a drink, sports clothing and be ready to get moving!

BOOK YOUR SESSION

ARC Players Smash Up A Storm in October!

October saw many of our junior players in action. The U12 Nexus Tennis tour at ARC was won by Nick Beer (his first LTA Tournament win) Seb Robinson won the consolation event. Well done to Freya and Ebon also for entering their first Nexus event.

James and Michael Lethem Gent have been on tour, playing at Exeter, Yeovil, Martock and Ivybridge. James was RU in Exeter and Michael was 3rd in Yeovil.

Friday 30th October saw ARC host our new Junior Boost tournament for all junior players currently on the tennis and badminton programme. 73 ARC players took part throughout the day in both Tennis & Badminton. Everyone played with fantastic enthusiasm and showed brilliant sportsmanship throughout the whole event. In total 222 matches were played over the event.

The inaugural adult ARC Winter Open attracted some of our older juniors. Special mention goes to Katie Rowe for winning the Ladies Singles and 16 year old Matt Daniel for winning the Men’s B draw.

ARC players did well in other events too with Lewie Parker gaining the Men’s Title, Rupert George winning the Men’s Doubles, Tom Poole was RU in the Mixed, Men’s Singles and Men’s Doubles with Lewie. In the Vet’s Men’s Doubles Andy Koval and Ian Leonard claimed the title. The final event saw Gerald Sussex winning the Vet’s Mixed Doubles, with his partner Teresa Poole.

It was great to see so many ARC players enjoying the tournament (some for the first time) despite all the Covid rules. Look out for this event next October!