The Social Tennis Club: A perfect way to keep fit AND have a fun time

While most people would like to keep fit and healthy, not everybody takes the time to find a sport or activity that suits them.

It's been shown that physical exercise is more easily and more consistently maintained if there is a social element to it.

This is the idea behind The Social Tennis Club, which aims to connect people through the love of tennis.

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'I wanted to create a space where anybody could come and pick up a racket and feel like they're part of something active, while having fun as well', says co-founder Kelly Mavunga.

"It started because we felt how isolating life can be between work, studies, and city life."

While there are a number of 'social clubs' for other sports, Mavunga felt there was a gap for a niche sport like tennis as well.

And, you don't have to be a practised player to join up.

Mavungu says the first time she held a racket was actually with the formation of the Club, and she is still learning.

While the majority of members are beginners, there are also very skilled players who have the patience to help these newbies, she emphasizes.

"Most of them are so kind... in teaching the beginners the technique and also playing with them. That's what differentiates us, I've noticed, from other clubs."

These experienced players are also willing to provide the late bloomers with equipment, if they don't yet have their own, Mavungu says.

'We've got you' she says reassuringly when Gugs Mhlungu pleads that she really shouldn't join because 'I'm terrible at tennis'.

For more information, follow the group on Instagram or TikTok.

To hear more from Mavungu, listen to the interview audio at the top of the article