Glenburn Sports College in Skelmersdale has earned praise from the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) President Peter Bretherton and local MP Rosie Cooper after launching their tennis development programme.
The college, which hosts six brand-new floodlit courts, showcased their programme on Friday and was awarded the prestigious ‘Beacon’ accolade by the LTA and Tennis Foundation in recognition of their high quality, affordable community tennis programmes.
The club joins 196 Beacon sites across the country to achieve the national accolade which recognises the best community-focussed facilities offering free and affordable tennis as part of the AEGON Parks Tennis programme.
Peter Bretherton, who watched a mini tennis demonstration at the college, said: “The LTA is committed to improving opportunities for everybody to play tennis and Glenburn Sports College will be a shining example of how tennis can be made accessible to people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.
“The facilities here really are fantastic and I’m delighted that they will be put to good use.”
Rosie Cooper, Member of Parliament for West Lancashire, added: “The last time I visited the Glenburn Sports College site there was just mounds of soil and diggers.
“What an amazing transformation right in the heart of the town. Glenburn Sports College now has top quality facilities fit for the 21st century. I hope that the 2012 Olympics and Wimbledon will help spark a real passion for tennis across West Lancashire amongst people of all ages.
“I would encourage the entire community to make the most of the new tennis courts and the fantastic sports pitches right on their doorstep and to get involved, even if they have never played tennis before, now is the time to pick up a racket and have a go.”
Peter Bretherton’s visit to Glenburn Sports College was part of a day-long tour of the county where he also visited Bolton Arena to hear about growth and success of the performance programme at the High Performance Centre, as well as attending the county’s end of year awards presentation.
The college’s programme, which is due to be launched fully in the spring, will see 60 primary schools benefit from the AEGON Schools programme at the college, as well as a community club on site to offer free and affordable tennis opportunities.
Scott Reid, LTA Tennis Development Manager for Lancashire, added: “We’re delighted to be working in partnership with Glenburn Community Sports College to help provide accessible and affordable opportunities for the local community to play tennis.
“As well as the Skelmersdale community the AEGON Schools programme will reach out across West Lancashire getting more children playing tennis.”
AEGON Parks Tennis aims to increase community access to tennis in parks and communities nationwide. Delivered by the LTA and Tennis Foundation, AEGON Parks Tennis is a key programme in British tennis’ drive to increase participation and grow tennis at all levels. The long-term aim is to have an AEGON Parks Tennis site acting as a centre of community tennis excellence in each of the local authority areas in Britain.
To find a playing partner, a local court or coach, register at www.allplaytennis.com.