Tradition, Passion,
and Community since 1967.

Our History – A Tradition Since 1967

Even though our club’s name might suggest otherwise, the members of TC Tobacco are, of course, mostly nonsmokers. Our club’s name is a piece of living history and is closely tied to our roots.

The club’s history began in 1967, when 27 employees of what was then British American Tobacco (B.A.T.) in Spandau founded the Tennis Interest Group as part of the company’s sports association. Just three years later, with the support of the Spandau Office of Sports and Youth Affairs, they were able to open their own tennis facility with three clay courts and a clubhouse—the facility where we still play today. Until its completion, training sessions and games were held on the ASC's fields.

Having grown to 67 members, the IG Tennis joined the tennis association and was one of the founding members of the Berlin Corporate Tennis Association. As early as 1975, a women’s and a men’s team entered competitive play for the first time. Both teams achieved remarkable success: The women reached the final in 1977, while the men won the championship in 1990 and 1991.

In 1992, the club celebrated its 25th anniversary. In the years that followed, the club continued to invest in its facilities. In 1998, the clubhouse underwent extensive renovations, and the irrigation system for the tennis courts—which is indispensable today—was also installed.

With about 120 members, the club became a popular gathering place for tennis enthusiasts. In addition to its athletic programs, club life was shaped by numerous celebrations, tournaments, and social events. The close ties to B.A.T. were also evident in the fact that the company provided financial support to the club for many years.

After the plant closed, many younger members left the region to pursue their careers elsewhere. Nevertheless, the association managed to successfully navigate this period.

In 2005, the former company sports club became an independent club. Initially, it was known as the “British American Tobacco Tennis Club,” and later as TC Tobacco Hakenfelde e.V. In the years that followed, numerous new members joined us, including entire groups from other clubs in the region.

Despite some challenges, the club’s facilities were continuously upgraded. For example, the club built its own well system to provide cost-effective irrigation for the courts. On the athletic front, the club was one of the most successful in Berlin tennis for many years. Several women’s and men’s teams celebrated successes, including the men’s 60 team, which even competed in the top division.

Like many tennis clubs, we, too, felt the effects of the waning tennis boom, which caused membership numbers to decline at times. However, with the inauguration of a new board of directors in 2020, a new and extremely positive trend began.

Thanks to numerous initiatives—including open houses, new training programs, and expanded youth programs—the club became significantly more attractive and well-known. At the same time, the facilities were modernized and expanded. Investments such as the installation of a floodlight system and the construction of a children’s play tower made TC Tobacco even more appealing to families, recreational players, and ambitious team players.

Today, the club once again has just under 200 members. A dedicated youth division, numerous teams across various age groups, an active club life, and modern, well-maintained facilities make TC Tobacco what it is today: a vibrant tennis club with tradition, a strong sense of community, and a promising future.