A Century of Sport: The Fergus Tennis Club

When the Fergus Tennis Club was founded in 1920, it was the first sports organization in town to include women, youth and children. To encourage their participation, lower fees were offered. Membership numbers rose quickly and seven years later floodlights were added to the courts to promote competition with other tennis clubs in the area. The Fergus club's success helped inspire another family sport: swimming. The Fergus Pool was built in 1930. Curling, the town's earliest sports activity, did not become available to women, youth and children until the 1960s.

From these beginnings of more than a century ago to the thriving organization we are today, the club remains a cornerstone of local recreation and sport. The club officially incorporated in 1992 as a not-for-profit organization and is a proud member of the Ontario Tennis Association (OTA). As the provincial partner of Tennis Canada, our affiliation ensures that our club aligns with national standards for player development, coaching, and fair play.

Growth and Resurgence

The club's footprint has evolved alongside the growth of Centre Wellington. In 1978, three new courts were built at the Community Centre to expand the club's reach; however, these courts eventually fell into disrepair in the late 1990s and were abandoned.

This period also saw a major investment in our historic roots. In 1986, the original courts at Tower and Union Streets underwent a complete renovation—an event proudly marked by the historical plaque at that corner today. Longtime members still fondly recall the "character" of the old Tower Street site prior to these upgrades, when the courts were famously situated on different levels, requiring players to step up or down between matches. These improvements sparked a significant resurgence throughout the 1990s, leading to record growth in membership and the expansion of the high-quality tennis programs we enjoy today.

The Centennial Milestone

In 2021, the club reached a historic milestone. Although the official 100th anniversary fell in 2020, the celebration was delayed by a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This resulted in a unique "101st" anniversary Centennial Gala, where the Tower Street courts were transformed with large tents and professional lighting for an unforgettable evening.

To mark the century, the club unveiled six sponsored commemorative benches, which serve as a permanent tribute to the community support that has sustained us since the 1920s.

Community Partnership & Infrastructure

Our facilities continue to be maintained through active cooperation with the Township. Recognizing the need to replace the abandoned Community Centre site, the club was instrumental in partnering with the Township of Centre Wellington on a Trillium Grant in 2008. This successful collaboration resulted in the installation of two high-quality fenced and lighted courts, ensuring the game remains accessible for evening play.

Today, we continue to work closely with the Township and the Ontario Tennis Association (OTA) to maximize playing opportunities. Our mission remains simple: to promote tennis as a lifelong, healthy family activity and to provide accessible programming for all ages and skill levels.

Club Executive & Volunteers

The Fergus Tennis Club is operated entirely by dedicated volunteers. While our Board of Directors oversees financial management and league coordination, our success depends on the energy of our members.

Volunteers are welcome in all areas. If you are interested in helping out or sharing a specific skill, please email us at info@fergustennisclub.ca or connect with a Board Member during the 2026 Season.

Click here to view the current 2026 Board of Directors and Officers