The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) and Tennis Foundation have announced that Brockenhurst College in Hampshire has been awarded ‘Beacon’ status as part of the AEGON Parks Tennis programme in recognition of their high quality, affordable community tennis programmes.
The announcement was made at the centre as LTA Development Officer for the South West, Andy Trott, presented the Beacon plaque to the club.
The club joins 195 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.
To achieve this status, facilities must also offer access to quality, affordable coaching as well as regular competitions for all ages and abilities.
Rob Cook, Brockenhurst College Club and Community Duty Manager said: “The College and the coaches from Xcel Tennis have worked well in partnership to pull together a comprehensive offer of activities for people of all ages and abilities in Brockenhurst.
“The Open Day saw new faces playing the game in a fun and motivating environment, this resulted in both juniors and adults signing up to the new programmes that have been part funded by the LTA in recognition of the hard work that is being put in to grow the game in the community.”
Andy Trott added: “Tennis at Brockenhurst College has had a massive boost with the development work that is going on at the Sport Centre. Brockenhurst Tennis club has evolved through a combination of support from the LTA; Lymington Tennis Club (Excel Tennis) and Brockenhurst College itself.
“The brand new courts that paid host to the Open Day was testament to this. A group of young people and adults came to try tennis and Cardio Tennis, amongst other activities had a really good time in the sunshine!
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