The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) and Tennis Foundation announced this weekend that Bolton Arena, one of the area’s leading tennis sites, 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 as the Arena was presented with their prestigious Beacon plaque during the Davis Cup by BNP Paribas tie against Tunisia by AEGON GB Davis Cup Team player, Colin Fleming who said: “The facilities on offer here are excellent. They have provided us with some great preparation leading up to this weekend’s tie so I’m delighted to present this award.
“Providing the opportunity for amateur players to play side by side with elite players at a high performance centre can only be positive for the sport.”
The arena joins 100 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 programme.
To achieve this status, facilities must also offer access to quality, affordable coaching as well as regular competitions for all ages and abilities. Dave Hillier, Tennis Development Officer for Lancashire and Cheshire, said: “We are delighted to recognise the excellent community opportunities offered by Bolton Arena by awarding them Beacon status. To get more people playing, we need quality tennis facilities like this, offering the local community a fun, affordable tennis experience all year round.
“Through AEGON Parks Tennis, we are committed to making tennis more accessible for all people. Tennis is a fantastic lifelong, family sport and everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy it. Working with local tennis providers like Bolton Arena will really help to build healthier and safer communities, as well as ensuring that anyone wanting to pick up a racket can do so in a quality local environment.”
With its Beacon status, the high performance centre offers a unique opportunity for players of all abilities to play, learn and improve together under one roof. The coaching team regularly visit local schools in the area to offer coaching and advice and on Sunday’s juniors are welcome to use the outdoor courts for free with rackets and balls provided too.
Stuart Kay, Tennis Manager at Bolton Arena added: “We’re delighted to receive this Beacon plaque as we are dedicated to growing all levels of tennis in Bolton, offering quality coaching to elite and amateur players alike. It’s great to be able to offer free access to Bolton Arena for the local community to play tennis.”
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.
Find your nearest place to play tennis
Share