Coronavirus and its impact on tennis in Wales.
• 2 MINUTE READ
Simon Johnson, CEO of Tennis Wales updates on the Coronavirus and its impact on tennis in Wales.
“It goes without saying that these are unprecedented times, and whilst we all continue to follow the Government advice in relation to the Coronavirus, limiting our social contact, working from home and closing down our sport, we’re also working hard as an organisation to communicate with everyone in the tennis community across Wales.
In the last 48 hours, all registered tennis venues, accredited tennis coaches, referees, officials, welfare officers and community indoor tennis centres have been contacted personally by a member of our team, as well as receiving direct communication from the LTA. Please rest assured that we will be available to help answer your questions in this unsettling period of time. I’m sure many of you are doing the same as we are, watching the news regularly, including the Prime Minister’s daily update, and interpreting the latest information in the best way possible. I’ve seen the communication & information going out to the thousands of club members and players across Wales and thank all of you for continuing to do as much as you can for tennis in Wales.
I am continuing to liaise each day with the LTA to share information, provide you all with the latest advice and support we have available, and work together to mitigate the impact of the Coronavirus on tennis. Tennis Wales remains in contact with the Welsh Sports Association and Sport Wales to ensure that as support does become available, we can get it to you all as quickly and efficiently as possible.
The recent announcement that the Government would support the wages of employed staff was a huge relief for thousands of people employed in the leisure industry, including many in tennis centres. However, with almost 200 accredited and primarily self-employed tennis coaches, as well as our tennis clubs and indoor facilities that are struggling without revenue, more will need to be done. These areas will be of priority for us in the weeks ahead and as soon as we know more about any support available, we’ll communicate with everyone.
I hope it’s clear in this unprecedented situation, that we are all in this together. My commitment is to make the resources and support that Tennis Wales has available as accessible as I can to support as many people as possible in the unsettling period ahead. We’ll continue to communicate and reach out as we know more in the days and weeks ahead, but in the meantime I wish you all the best at home across Wales."
