Developing a community workforce was a key priority of the Portsmouth pilot and we introduced a city-wide Tennis Apprenticeship scheme. Non-traditional tennis venues were offered the opportunity to take part and apprentices were employed at Portsmouth Tennis Academy, Portsmouth Football Club's Pompey in the Community programme and Priory School to work across the city and deliver low cost opportunities.
The one traditional tennis club in the city has aslso been involved in the pilot programme as we worked together to modernise the facility and make it accessible, affordable, and offer more than just tennis. As a result, Southsea Tennis Club has been transformed from a seaside Victorian club to a modern place to play. The site features courts, new floodlights and a new café facility for local people. Membership has increased and the club trialled a summer membership with over 125 members signing up.
We also focussed on the courts at Milton Park, which provide local people with free access to 5 courts refurbished by the LTA and Tennis Foundation. And we placed a strong emphasis on disability tennis in the city with venues and coaches being supported to offer tennis opportunities to all disabled people.
If you'd like more information or would like to be involved in our Portsmouth pilot, please contact our pilot lead Zoe Bambridge.