About FMTC
Founded in 1883, Fox Meadow Tennis Club (FMTC) has long been a distinguished part of the Scarsdale landscape. Steeped in tradition, the club enjoys a preeminent position in the world of platform tennis and prides itself on its reputation for being a racquet club with an inviting social atmosphere and sense of fair play.
Platform tennis, or “paddle” as it is affectionately known today, was invented in Scarsdale in 1928 and Fox Meadow built the first club court in the country three years later. We’re proud that more national championships have been held on our courts than at any other location and our members have won more national titles than any other club.
Fox Meadow maintains its courts in excellent condition. There are six Har-Tru tennis courts, recently redone in 2019, and nine heated paddle tennis courts including six that are lit for night play. The clubhouse offers members a comfortable place to relax before and after matches and a terrific place to view the tennis and paddle activities.
Fox Meadow has a membership limited to 160 families which allows us to continue our tradition of friendly competition with an emphasis on team spirit. Members are involved with every aspect of the club’s activities, including running tournaments, planning parties, and organizing special events.
Our members vary in racquet experience, from first-time to top-ranked players. Because of this, we offer a variety of racquet opportunities, including competitive tournaments, team leagues, non-competitive mixers, children’s clinics, and individual and group lessons.
Socially, there’s never a dull moment. Yearly social events include the Spring Cleanup and BBQ, Game Night and the festive Holiday Party. Recent theme parties have included: Fox Hunt (a scavenger hunt), “Tennis, Tacos and Tequilla” and Pot Luck Paddle. A favorite annual tradition is the Governors’ Tea, held each spring. Of course, much socializing centers around our racquet sports, from Open Paddle on wintry Saturday mornings to Team Tennis on warm summer evenings.
Club Facilities
Pristine Paddle Courts
9 Courts, 6 Lit for evening play
Each court has a heated platform for easy snow and ice removal, and 6 are lit for nightime play.
The paddle season generally extends from early October through mid April,
though courts are available for play all year long.
There is no reservation policy for the courts: come, sign up and play!
Resurfaced tennis Courts
6 Har-Tru Courts
The tennis season generally extends from mid-April to late October (or as soon as it starts to snow).
Required dress is tennis whites (shoes can be any color).
Clubhouse
Socializing and Entertainment
Indoor: full kitchen, showers, stone fireplace, large screen TV
Outdoor: porch, patio & bbq areas overlooking courts
Other: pro shop, extensive parking
Club Professional
Pavle Jefferson is Fox Meadow Tennis Club’s Director of Racquet Sports.
Pavle has a distinguished record as both a player and teacher of racquet sports. He is a graduate of Scarsdale High School’s Class of 1998 and then went on to Columbia University where he was a top ranked player graduating in 2003.
Pavle also coached collegiate tennis at Harvard University, University of Pennsylvania and Duke University.
Pavle is an innovative teacher and has many creative programming ideas for players of all ages (junior clinics start at age 5) and skill levels. He can be reached at pavle@fmtc1883.com.
RICH HISTORY
The clubhouse was completed in the summer of 1927, designed by Walter Pleuthner. With the opening of the clubhouse and accompanying new tennis courts, membership grew to about 100 active members. In 1928, Edgemont neighbors James Cogswell and Fessenden Blanchard built a wooden platform on Cogswell’s property overlooking Ardsley Road. After experimenting with variations of tennis, badminton and playground paddle tennis they eventually invented platform tennis. As an expanding circle of players took interest in the sport, many of whom already belong to FMTC, they ultimately convinced the Club to build a court. When the new court opened on November 1, 1931, it was the first of its kind. From 1935-2006, Fox Meadow members won 169 national American Platform Tennis Association titles.
Throughout Fox Meadow Tennis Club’s rich history, quality members have always been its main resource. As a relatively small club it behaves like an extended family where members come to 14 Wayside Lane to have a fun time with good people.
To learn more about the history of FMTC and platform tennis you can visit the virtual Platform Tennis Museum and Hall of Fame or click through the pictures below.
BECOME A MEMBER
Fox Meadow Tennis Club offers a friendly, family-oriented environment that provides its membership with superior facilities and top professionals. Whether you’re an avid tennis/paddle player, trying to pick up the sport or just looking for a place to be social, FMTC offers it all.
Fox Meadow Tennis Club is a private, member owned club. To apply for membership, applicants must be sponsored and seconded by active members and have supporting letters of recommendation.
Contact US!
14 Wayside Lane
Scarsdale, New York 10583
Club/Pro Shop: (914) 472-6565