The LTA and Tennis Foundation have announced that Brunel University Tennis Club in Uxbridge, West London, has been awarded ‘Beacon’ status as part of the AEGON Parks Tennis programme.
The club is one of 200 sites across the country to have achieved 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.
Tom Gibbins, Head of Education at the Tennis Foundation, said: "Brunel University is an excellent example of a place to play offering a quality programme, not just for their students, but the wider community. It’s great to be able to present them with their Beacon plaque."
John Love, Tennis Development Officer for Middlesex, added: "We are delighted to award Brunel University with Beacon status, which recognises the quality of the community tennis opportunities they provide. It is fantastic to see that this programme has increased participation across the local community by offering affordable coaching and unlimited free access to the courts. The award also recognises the efforts of all those involved in the programme - it has been a great effort all round which will create long-term benefits."
Brunel University Vice Chancellor Chris Jenks said: “The University now boasts some quality tennis facilities with a programme of activity which promotes accessible and affordable facilities to both students and the wider community irrespective of age or ability. The recently refurbished Sport Pavilion ensures there are no barriers to participation.”
Tom Gibbins, Head of Education at the Tennis Foundation, & Professor Chris Jenks, Brunel University Vice Chancellor
Brunel was also one of 14 universities nationwide that joined the Tennis Foundation’s University Tennis Coordinator Programme with the aim of growing the game across the higher education sector.
Each of the universities has a coordinator who helps to develop tennis by creating opportunities for students to play, compete and receive the latest training packages as volunteers or coaches.
Claire Ricketts, Brunel University Tennis Co-ordinator, added: “It means a great deal for this club to be awarded Beacon status. We are hoping this will encourage more people to come and play tennis here. It means that not just the students but community groups such as schools and young children can take advantage of the facilities which can only benefit the club in the long run.”
The AEGON Parks Tennis programme 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