Former world No.4 Greg Rusedski launched a new era for tennis in Portsmouth as he officially opened the brand new £1.13m facility at Portsmouth Tennis Centre at the weekend. Rusedski joined the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) Chief Executive Michael Downey and Lord Mayor of Portsmouth Lynne Stagg, to unveil the new tennis facility, ensuring improved tennis opportunities all year round.
The £1.13m facility, which is run by Parkwood Leisure, was made possible after the centre received a grant of £850,000 from the LTA and Tennis Foundation, with support from Sport England, with the additional funding coming from Portsmouth City Council. The funding is part of the LTA's participation strategy to get more people playing tennis more often.
Speaking at the opening, Greg Rusedski said: "It was fantastic to meet so many enthusiastic players and find out more about the programmes which are being developed. With this great new facility, I'm sure tennis in the area will go from strength to strength as it will mean so much more court time for players especially during the winter months when the weather isn't exactly conducive to playing outdoors."
Work began on Portsmouth Tennis Centre in June 2013 and the four new indoor courts and six outdoor floodlit courts were fully operational by November. The opening day saw over 500 people descended on the club to to take advantage of free tennis sessions including Cardio Tennis, Mini Tennis, coaching and free play.
LTA Chief Executive Michael Downey added: “I’m so pleased that my first visit as the new LTA CEO should be to Portsmouth, because I’ve been able to see for myself the power of partnerships, and the impact they can have on developing a thriving tennis programme in the city.”
Tennis Operations Manager for the south west Simon Johnson said: “By working together with our partners we have been able to establish a premier tennis facility that will dramatically improve playing opportunities for people of all levels and backgrounds. In the last 18 months, we have seen a 3% increase in adults playing tennis in the city, and as part of our commitment to driving participation in the area we feel this new centre will be the jewel in our crown.”
Parkwood Leisure’s Director of Tennis, Rob Ellis, said: “We’re proud to be associated with this flagship facility and based on the overwhelmingly positive response so far, there’s no doubt it will prove to be a real asset to the community.
“As well as putting together an exciting and varied programme, we’ve brought in a great coaching team headed up by Ashley Neaves and we’re looking forward to welcoming tennis players of all ages and abilities over the coming months.”
Councillor Lee Hunt, Portsmouth City Council's cabinet member for Culture, Leisure and Sport, said: "Just like Greg Rusedski, tennis in Portsmouth is a big hitter, with more and more people getting involved.
"It’s a really exciting time for British and Portsmouth tennis and by working with British tennis and city partners our city council is helping to create facilities which rank amongst some of the best for grassroots players in the UK. We're hoping to encourage people who may not have tried tennis before to come along and have a go.
For more information go to www.LTA.org.uk. To find a playing partner, a local court or coach, register at www.allplaytennis.com