The Dutch Real Tennis Association (''Nederlandse Real Tennis Bond'') was founded in 1986 to return the sport of

real tennis Real tennis – one of several games sometimes called "the sport of kings" – is the original racquet sport from which the modern game of tennis (also called "lawn tennis") is derived. It is also known as court tennis in the United Sta ...

to the

Netherlands ) , anthem = ( en, "William of Nassau") , image_map = , map_caption = , subdivision_type = Sovereign state , subdivision_name = Kingdom of the Netherlands , established_title = Before independence , established_date = Spanish Netherl ...

. The association's goals include building a real tennis court and functioning as the national governing body. Since 1987 the association has organized a Dutch Real Tennis Championship tournament at various clubs in the

United Kingdom The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom (UK) or Britain, is a country in Europe, off the north-western coast of the continental mainland. It comprises England, Scotland, Wales and North ...

. The Real Tennis Club Huis ter Kleef (formerly "Real Tennis Club Wassenaar"), founded on November 20, 2001, is a private club of enthusiasts who are currently attempting to restore and operate the ''Kaatsbaan'' (real tennis court) at the castle

Huis ter Kleef __NOTOC__ The ruins of the Huis ter Kleef castle are located in the city gardens of Haarlem. History The castle is located about halfway between the Brederode Castle and the Haarlem City Hall, which were built respectively in the second half o ...

. The court was built around 1560 by

Hendrik van Brederode Henry (Hendrik), Lord of Bréderode (December 1531 – 15 February 1568) was a member of the Dutch noble family Van Brederode and an important member during the Eighty Years' War. He was named the "Grote Geus" or the "big beggar". Biography ...

, and tennis was played there likely until the early 17th century. In February 2006, the City of Haarlem agreed to the proposal to restore court at Huis ter Kleef, if the club can raise the necessary funds (approximately €1,000,000). The club has formally registered around 75 members.

External links

Dutch Real Tennis Association

Real Tennis Club Huis ter Kleef
1986 establishments in the Netherlands Real tennis organizations Real Sports organizations established in 1986 {{sports-org-stub