Introduction
The Kingsway Platform Tennis Club is Canada’s premiere platform tennis club. Located behind Central Hockey Arena on the banks of Mimico Creek , our club plays host to some of the best paddle north of the 49th. Although we have a strong international presence with members frequenting American tournaments, the pride of our club is our friendly, local membership with whom we enjoy braving the Canadian winter. New members of any skill level are always welcome. We look forward to seeing you on the courts!
Club History (there will be a quiz)
Way, way back in the early 1970’s, a time when Star Wars was a mere twinkle in George Lucas’ eye, there were only two platform tennis courts in Toronto. One was a wooden court at Elijah Jones’ home in North Toronto. The other was an aluminum court at Barb and Don Fergusson’s home on Kingsway Crescent. The Fergusson’s friend Barry Noble became an ambassador of the sport, and took it upon herself to get the neighbourhood playing. Soon after, over 100 adults and kids frequented the court at “Fergie’s”.
In November of 1975, 10 couples and individuals met at the Nobles’ home to discuss the viability of building a paddle facility in the neighbourhood. The idea gained momentum, and as more dedicated and enthusiastic people were recruited, the Kingsway Platform Tennis Club was born.
To secure our backing, our members pursued all contacts and leads at the municipal, provincial and federal level. Money was obtained from a Wintario grant, from corporate sponsors and from individuals- many of whom were introduced to the game by Barry and others at the Bay Street Racquet Club (which had installed two courts in 1976). Some members even joined “on faith” as they had never heard of or tried the game.
The KPTC’s initial four courts and clubhouse were up and running in 1977 and soon the club counted nearly 350 members- about 150 of which were juniors. Many of these juniors are still active, but it isn’t polite to try to guess who they are. Court 5 was added in 1990, and has since become unloved and the butt of most jokes.
The success of the Kingsway Platform Tennis Club is thanks to the volunteers who are active in every aspect of its operation and to the players who love the game- no matter how cold it gets.
Joining the Club
Interested in joining the KPTC?
Please complete the wait list registration form.
Feel free to reach out anytime to Membership for an estimate of the wait timme for entry into the club.
House Leagues
Participation in House Leagues is the best way to learn and improve at the sport as well as meet other members. The format of our Leagues allows all levels of players to take part in competitive matches in a fun and social atmosphere. Formally organized Leagues run from early September to late April and. During this period there are 4 House League Sessions each of which runs for 2 months – September & October, November & December, January & February, March & April. There is a 2 to 3 week break over the Christmas holiday season and a week break in Spring for March Break.
MEN’S LEAGUES
Men’s League runs every week on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings with two or three time slots each night depending on the numbers of players. Players may participate in one or both of these leagues, but time slots vary from week to week and Tuesday is probably the best place for new players to start and learn the game.
Tuesday night matches are in a ladder format and bring together players of equivalent ability in divisions of 8 to 10 players. A match comprises 3 sets with players partnering with a different division member for each set. The number of games a player wins over the 3 sets are tabulated and at the end of the Session the total wins are tallied up. Players with the top scores move to a higher group for the next Session and those with lowest scores move to a lower group.
Wednesday night has a more social focus in a format that involves players with a broader range of skill levels playing together. Players have a different partner each week and, to make the games more competitive, partners are matched to create balanced pairings for each night; for example, some weeks pairings could be A & B players on a court and other courts may be C & D players, other weeks could be just A players together, Bs together, Cs together etc. This format tends to help existing members improve their level of play.
WOMEN’S LEAGUES
On Monday and Thursday evenings players of equivalent ability are grouped into divisions of 8 to 10 players. Each week players play 3 sets with/against other members of the same division and all the games a player wins over the course of the session are tallied up at the end of the Session. Players with the top scores move to a higher group for the next Session and those with the lowest scores move to a lower group.
Entry and intermediate level players play Monday night and more advanced players play Thursday night.
The Tuesday day-time league is a similar ladder format to the Monday & Thursday evening leagues. The league is for intermediate and advanced levels and play starts at 9:00 am.
Thursday day-time round robin is for all levels. Thursday morning play is very social, with no formal scoring and players having the opportunity to play with others of different levels.
MIXED LEAGUES
We do not currently have a formally organized mixed league, but we hope to set one up so watch this space.
JUNIOR LEAGUES
The junior league takes place on Wednesday afternoon from 4.30 to 5.30 pm. It’s a great way for kids to learn the game, socialize, make new friends and be active outdoors.
Lessons
Our club pro’s name is Paul Stulac. While I’ve been sworn to secrecy about any other details, rumour has it for a small fee he’ll turn you into a paddle machine. But you didn’t hear it from me.