Moving, Meeting up and playing tennis (Amsterdam)

Hi I am due to start work for UBM in Amsterdam at the beginning of August. I have a few questions which if any of you guys could answer, I would be most appreciative.

1. I have only been to Amsterdam a couple of times and have just started to research, as a result there are some generic questions....

I am looking at spending Protected content per month on a flat.
I would like to be as central as possible, as close as possible to restaurants and bars, with easy access for car parking.
I hear it can be very difficult to get a permit for a car.
Having this permit is important for me. Do you guys know any strong areas.

2. I may be joining sportscentrum Amstel park and am a big tennis afficienado, do any of you guys play there?
Or do you know any better tennis clubs where the standard is o.k and the social side of things is strong.

Have left my number, Protected content .

Kind Regards,

Daniel.