Friendly, competitive tennis on Bedford's public courts

You are just a step away from joining our mixed-sex, singles league for men and women (aged 18+) of all standards.

If you have been meaning to get back into tennis or would like to meet new people to play, why not give it a go!

Close matches, close by.

Bedford Park, aerial view
Bedford Park, aerial view

Want to Get Playing?

From the dates above, choose your round and click on the Join By link.

FREE TENNIS BALLS

Every player who completes three matches by the midway point of any round is sent a FREE can of tennis balls! Plus there are great offers all the time in our shop.

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This is how it works:

  • Players are organised into groups of between 5 to 9 people of a similar standard
  • It is a mixed sex, singles league, so men and women play each other
  • Groups are put together by standard and there can be any combination of men and women in a group (we do not guarantee a balance of men and women and you could be the only man in a group of women or vice versa!)
  • Contact details are emailed and posted to each player's account page
  • Players arrange their own matches
  • You can play on any court that suits both players

The league is:

  • For everyone over the age of 18
  • We welcome beginners as well as advanced players.
  • Don't worry that you won't be good enough - playing matches is the best way to improve, and we use an online questionnaire to assess people's ability so you play only people of a roughly similar level
  • Affiliated to the LTA For adults aged 18 years and above 

Key points

  • Matches are best of three sets; if a set reaches 6 games all it is decided by a tiebreak
  • The evening before the round starts you will receive an email with all the contact details of the players in your group. Contact details are also posted to your Account Page
  • Players are placed in groups according to past performance in the league and, for new players, their Player Standard Questionnaire
  • Each player attempts to play each of the other player on their group once during the round
  • A point is awarded for each set won
  • If you complete three matches before the midpoint of a round you receive 2 bonus points and a bonus prize (either a pair of Local Tennis Leagues dampeners, or a tube of tennis balls)
  • The winner of the group is the player with the most points at the end of the round
  • The winner of the group wins a voucher for £20 to be spent in the Local Tennis League online shop. A winner's certificate is also posted to the winner's Account Page as a PDF file.
  • Where possible, winners of groups are promoted to the group above for the next round.

See here for the complete rules and regulations

Getting started

New players will need to complete the player questionnaire before they can join a round. Once you’ve signed up, and for returning players you can join any of the upcoming rounds above.

For everything you need to know before you get started see the FAQs and review the Rules and Regulations, which all players agree to adhere to when playing in the leagues.

If there is anything else you need help with get in contact with Nigel, Sally and the team who will be happy to help!


Missing Something?

If you notice any of our venue information is out of date, missing court costs or opening hours please let us know.

UPDATE OUR VENUES

Primary Venues

Bedford Park

Park Ave, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK4 02 Tel: full venue details »

Allen Park

Ford End Road, Queens Park, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK4 04 Tel: full venue details »

Mowsbury Park

Wentworth Drive, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK41 8BD Tel: 01234 363227 full venue details »

Southfield Tennis Courts

Southfields Road, Kempston, Bedfordshire, MK4 Tel: full venue details »

Addison Howard Park

Bedford Tel: full venue details »

Russell Park

The Embankment, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK40 3SA Tel: full venue details »

Club Venues

Pavenham Tennis Club

The Playing Fields, High Street, Pavenham, Bedfordshire, MK43 7PH Tel: 07494534595 full venue details »

Langford Tennis Club

Mill Lane, Langford, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, SG18 9QB Tel: full venue details »

"This has been a brilliant idea, and the best thing that’s happened to me for many years, sport-wise. I’ve always loved playing tennis, but haven’t had anyone to play with for years. Apart from  joining a club, it’s so difficult meeting anyone to play. I’ve had some fantastic games and all have been very enjoyable, win or lose. Everyone I’ve spoken to feel the same, so well done to both of you," 

Richard Lake

"It was a good feeling to be back on the court.  I hope everybody from our group enjoyed the competition and I wish them good luck in the next tournament,"

Florin Nistor

"Thoroughly enjoying it so far... didn't know I was so unfit. Can't wait for the next game," 

Kevin Jones

"I have really enjoyed playing matches. Thank you very much for organising the league and making the arrangements for us players to feel it's 'Wimbledon' every round....."

David Bown

"Having struggled for a game locally, I was happy to find this league. Everyone in the league was warm on arrival and all the games were friendly.  I met some great people in the group.
If you want to play competitively, it doesn't matter what standard you are and /or how nervous you are about playing strangers. I highly recommend entering these leagues as it's a great place to enjoy a game and meet like-minded people for games in the future.  Well played to everyone in the league."

Richard Washbrook

"Playing this round has been so much fun and has definitely sharpened my game.  Looking forward to the next one," 

Jean-Paul Dowding
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Report your results

Collapse AllBedford Singles - Round 33 | Thursday 13 August 2020 to Wednesday 7 October 2020 (Midpoint: Wednesday 9 September 2020)

Current Rankings:

  1. Darren Kent 8.1 [W5, L1] 12 includes 2 bonus points
  2. Ryan Chandhar 7.2 [W4, L2] 10 includes 2 bonus points
  3. Ciaran McCarthy [W3, L1] 8 includes 2 bonus points
  4. John Harrison 8.2 [W2, L4] 8 includes 2 bonus points
  5. Tom Prothero [W1, L4] 7 includes 2 bonus points
  6. Pasquale D'amelio 8.1 [W3, L1] 6
  7. Joshua Zwetsloot [L5] 2 includes 2 bonus points

Match Results:

Reveal CommentDarren Kent bt Pasquale D'amelio (Sep 20) 6-2, 6-4

Player Comments:

  • "Tough match today. First set I ran away with playing tactical tennis with good serving. Second set Pasq was up then I clawed my way back and won it in 2. Cheers "  -- Darren
Reveal CommentRyan Chandhar bt John Harrison (Sep 19) 6-3, 6-3

Player Comments:

  • "Competitive match on a really windy day on the grass at Allen Park. Serving proved to be difficult today but we had some great rallies and John put pressure on me by coming into the net and finishing with some nice volleys. I was able to hit my backhand really well and mixed big flat strokes with nice sliced shots . Thanks again John, see you next time. "  -- Ryan
Reveal CommentDarren Kent bt Joshua Zwetsloot (Sep 13) 6-3, 6-4

Player Comments:

  • "Good game against josh who has improved immensely since our last game. I played well enough to get the win Cheers "  -- Darren
Reveal CommentJohn Harrison bt Joshua Zwetsloot (Sep 10) 6-1, 6-3

Player Comments:

  • "Great evening for tennis with still windless conditions matched by a competitive game of tennis."  -- John
Pasquale D'amelio bt Ryan Chandhar (Sep 10) 6-4, 7-5
Reveal CommentCiaran McCarthy bt John Harrison (Sep 9) 6-3, 6-2

Player Comments:

  • "Score line doesn’t reflect John’s performance. I got upper hand on forehand winners which give me more confidence to finish the points. John gave a long decent rally and he given a good serve which sometimes I was struggled on return. I enjoyed the match and thank you John "  -- Ciaran
Reveal CommentRyan Chandhar bt Joshua Zwetsloot (Sep 9) 6-2, 6-1

Player Comments:

  • "I really enjoyed playing this match. Josh has improved so much since the last time we played. I was really impressed with how early josh took the ball and his counter punching game. A lot of the games went to deuce and and I was able to play really great solid tennis, hitting some really great passing shots and ground strokes. Thanks again and good luck for the rest of your matches. "  -- Ryan
Reveal CommentCiaran McCarthy bt Tom Prothero (Sep 8) 6-4, 2-6, 6-1

Player Comments:

  • "It was great match! My serving has been pretty terrible and cost me a double fault but it doesn’t stop me with great forehand finish. Tom is such a fighter and we have lots of great rallies. Great match and thank you Tom!"  -- Ciaran
Pasquale D'amelio bt Joshua Zwetsloot (Sep 6) 6-1, 6-0
Reveal CommentDarren Kent bt Ciaran McCarthy (Sep 6) 6-3, 6-2

Player Comments:

  • "Good game. I was serving and hitting winners well today. Not Ciarian’s best performance but we had some good long rallies. I just won more of the rallies "  -- Darren
Reveal CommentCiaran McCarthy bt Ryan Chandhar (Sep 1) 6-4, 6-4

Player Comments:

  • "It was really good match and there are lots of good rally finishes. My serve has consistent well which helps a lot on the match. Ryan always played well and give me a money to run! Thank you ryan!"  -- Ciaran
Reveal CommentDarren Kent bt Tom Prothero (Aug 31) 7-6 (7-2), 6-2

Player Comments:

  • "Tough competitor and always made me hit one more shot which mostly needed a forehand winner. Took a while to get my forehand firing but it won me the match in the end. Good game "  -- Darren
Pasquale D'amelio bt John Harrison (Aug 31) 7-5, 2-6, 6-1
Reveal CommentTom Prothero bt Joshua Zwetsloot (Aug 25) 6-1, 7-5

Player Comments:

  • "On a very windy evening at Mowsbury both players dealt with the elements best they could. I took to the conditions slightly better than josh in the first set. The second set could have gone either way but luckily I managed to get over the line. Cheers Josh."  -- Tom
Reveal CommentRyan Chandhar bt Darren Kent (Aug 24) 6-4, 6-2

Player Comments:

  • "Great match today against a great player. The scoreline does flatter me in all honesty. The 1st set was back and forth and could have gone either way. Some of the games Darren played today, he was destroying the ball, spraying winners off of his forehand all over the court. I played solid, powerful and consistent tennis and can safely say this is the best I've played for quite sometime. Thanks again Darren, I look forward to our next match. "  -- Ryan
Reveal CommentJohn Harrison bt Tom Prothero (Aug 20) 6-4, 5-7, 6-3

Player Comments:

  • "Very competitive game played on the AstroTurf and partway through under floodlights. Most games had only 1 point in it so could have gone either way. Good luck Tom in the rest of your games."  -- John
Reveal CommentRyan Chandhar bt Tom Prothero (Aug 18) 2-6, 6-3, 6-3

Player Comments:

  • "Really great first game to start the league on a hot and humid day. Tom came out in the first set and played some really great tennis, soaking up everything I threw at him and coming up with some really nice shots. I managed to up my game in the next 2 sets and played some great tennis. I hope to play you again Tom. Good luck for the rest of your matches. "  -- Ryan
Reveal CommentDarren Kent bt John Harrison (Aug 14) 6-3, 0-6, 6-2

Player Comments:

  • "Carried on my inconsistent form from the last league. Always a good game against John and he played well with some good serving Cheers "  -- Darren

Current Rankings:

  1. Jean-Paul Dowding 9.1 [W3] 8 includes 2 bonus points
  2. Tim Johns [W3, L1] 8 includes 2 bonus points
  3. Pawel Papierz [W2, L2] 4
  4. Ben Friman [W1, L3] 4 includes 2 bonus points
  5. Adriano Di Carlo 9.2 [L3]
  6. Gytis Lenkauskas

Match Results:

Reveal CommentPawel Papierz bt Adriano Di Carlo (Sep 19) 6-0, 6-1

Player Comments:

  • "It was a good match against Adriano same of gems was tight . Good luck in next matches "  -- Pawel
Reveal CommentPawel Papierz bt Ben Friman (Sep 13) 6-3, 6-4

Player Comments:

  • "It was one of exhausting matches against Ben. Cracking game can't wait for next one. Thanks Ben it was pleasure play with you. Good luck "  -- Pawel
Reveal CommentJean-Paul Dowding bt Tim Johns (Sep 6) 6-3, 6-4

Player Comments:

  • "Always tight. Neither of us managed to hold serve until the 7th game of the first set. I served for the match at 5-2 in the second but Tim dug in and clawed back to 5-4. I could see it going to a third set but managed to cling on. Some great rallies and points from both sides. A lot of fun on a sunny and still Sunday morning. Thanks for the match Tim and good luck for the rest of the round!"  -- Jean-Paul
Reveal CommentJean-Paul Dowding bt Pawel Papierz (Sep 5) 6-3, 6-1

Player Comments:

  • "There wasn't much between us in the first set. In the second, my level increase slightly though Pawel was in fact never far behind. A fun much on a sunny and breezy afternoon. Thanks for the game Pawel and good luck for the rest of the round!!"  -- Jean-Paul
Reveal CommentTim Johns bt Pawel Papierz (Sep 2) 6-2, 6-2

Player Comments:

  • "The match felt slightly underpowered compared to some of our previous meetings with quite a few unforced errors on key points leading to a few very long deuce games. But good fun and a perfect sunny morning for it!"  -- Tim
Reveal CommentJean-Paul Dowding bt Ben Friman (Aug 30) 7-5, 7-5

Player Comments:

  • "A tight and topsy-turvy match. Ben is athletic, with good ground strokes and a great drop shot all used with good effect. Both of us peppering the baseline and catching the net cords occasionally. When I had a 3-0 lead in the first set I relaxed to my peril, and was soon pegged back and then it was nip and tuck the rest of the set and through set 2. A fun morning of tennis. Thanks for the match Ben, good luck with your other games!"  -- Jean-Paul
Reveal CommentBen Friman bt Adriano Di Carlo (Aug 29) 6-0, 6-1

Player Comments:

  • "It was mostly short points in the first set, with more rallies and a more interesting game in the second. As usual, Adriano's badminton style makes him a danger if he can get close to the net."  -- Ben
Reveal CommentTim Johns bt Ben Friman (Aug 24) 7-6 (7-5), 6-1

Player Comments:

  • "This scoreline doesn't quite portray the full picture...we played a third and final set for fun which Ben took 6-1 so thank goodness I clung to those few precious points in the first set tie break!"  -- Tim
Reveal CommentTim Johns bt Adriano Di Carlo (Aug 23) 6-1, 6-0

Player Comments:

  • "Cheers Adriano. I had the upper hand but when under pressure you always pull some great shots out of the bag! Good fun and good luck with the other matches."  -- Tim

Results

Looking for previous matches? Visit the Bedford archive.
The results listed here include the current and previous round of Singles matches for Bedford.

Scoring Information:
You earn one point for every set you win. Players who complete three or more matches by the mid-point of the round receive 2 bonus points, and a bonus prize (typically a free can of HEAD tennis balls). Bonus prizes must be claimed within 28 days using the link posted to the player's Account page. The link is also emailed to players.

Please note, while matches tied at one set all may be completed with a matchtiebreak, singles matches completed to this shortened format, do not count toward bonus points.

Understanding the current rankings display: 
Player name, [LTA rating - if known], W - tally of wins, L - tally of  losses, UF - tally of unfinished matches] 'n' - points won (if bonus points have been won a  note to this effect is added) 

Comments:
Reporters of results are encouraged to leave a comment on the "Report Your Score" form. Additional commentaries may be added by submitting a result revision (see the pencil icon next to your results)