Marshfield has been switched on to tennis after four brand new floodlit courts have been built with assistance from the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) and Sport England.
An area of scrub land in the village has been transformed by the courts to offer superb tennis facilities to the local community as well as juniors and children at the local schools.
The work has been carried out as a result of a £96,000 grant from the LTA, with support from Sport England, towards the total cost of £144,559, with club members contributing the remainder.
The courts have allowed Marshfield Tennis Club to enter teams into the local Chippenham & District tennis league, become Clubmark accredited and hold tournaments for all age groups.
Opening the courts Kay Pettifer, Headmistress of Marshfield Primary School, said: “I am thrilled to be opening the brand new Marshfield tennis courts.
“The courts are a great facility for the village and for nearby villages, as well as for the children from Marshfield Primary School – we are very fortunate to have them on our doorstep.
“Marshfield is a very sociable community and the courts provide a great place for people of all ages to come together and enjoy sport in a beautiful location. I am looking forward to playing on them.”
The funding has been provided as part of British Tennis’ facilities strategy which has received substantial investment from Sport England. This makes an important contribution to the drive to increase tennis opportunities for people to participate, compete and get access to coaching at all levels of the game in communities nationwide.
Richard Lewis, Sport England’s Chair, said: “It’s vital that public funding for sport goes into facilities that meet the highest standards, are welcoming, and cater for everyone. That’s how we’re going to get more people using them every day.
“The new facilities at Marshfield Tennis Club will offer even more accessibility for its members and encourage more people from the local community to get involved in the sport.”
As part of the event, Marshfield Tennis Club welcomed Barry Scollo, Director of Tennis at TeamBath-MCTA, who provided exhibition matches with ATP ranked players Richard Gabb and Miles Bigby, along with top junior player Juan Martin Sesma.
This was followed by a doubles match between veteran player Richard Leslie, county player Gary Chorley and Oscar Wain and Phil Evans. Garston Farm airfield also added to the day with a celebratory approach to their airstrip.
Tennis Development Manager for Avon and Wiltshire, Julie Jones, said: “Marshfield Tennis Club should be congratulated on developing first class tennis facilities.
“The club is testament to the village’s passion and commitment to the sport. I am confident that the club will become a cornerstone of tennis in the local community and will provide fun enjoyable and affordable opportunities to all levels and ages of player on a year round basis.
“I wish them every success with this project and look forward to seeing them grow the sport of tennis in the village and surrounding areas.”
The LTA makes financial support available through its resources and ensures investments will deliver the maximum return for British tennis through more people playing and more hours on the court across Britain. There will be an increase in the number and standard of facilities nationwide which will be available to the whole community at a reasonable, affordable cost.