LTA and MK Dons Team up to deliver tennis
The LTA and MK Dons have teamed up to deliver tennis as part of the community sports activity at Moor Lane. The sessions for 12 – 19 year olds currently include football, netball and basketball. The addition of tennis allows the players to develop further skills during the free sessions. The LTA have provided equipment and training for the sessions delivered by the MK Dons coaching team to ensure tennis is sustainable in the future. Bedfordshire Tennis Development Manager, Neil Twitchett said “We are very pleased to be working in partnership with the MK Dons to deliver tennis to young people in Bedford. Tennis is a fun, sociable sport which everyone can benefit from. With activity happening on the Moor Lane MUGA it proves tennis can be played in a variety of environments”
MK Dons Sport and Education Trust in-conjunction with Bedford Borough Council and Big Local was officially launched on 25th April 2013 at Moor Lane, Gostwick Park Renewel, Bedfordshire on behalf of Barclays Spaces for Sports. First team goal keeper Dave Martin was on hand to sign autographs and speak to the young people who attended the event.
The project has been awarded a £16,000 grant from Barclays Spaces for Sports that will benefit children and young adults by participating in activities coached by professional coaches from MK Dons SET. One of the main objectives of this project is to engage young people, and offer them pathways in to playing sport and coaching. This is a two year project with a great focus on sustaining the facility and provision by training up volunteers to become young leaders.
The site comprises of a multi games use area (MUGA) which provides a safe environment for youngsters to build their confidence and develop positive attitudes towards society.
To ensure the Barclays Spaces for Sports project meets its objectives. MK Dons Sport and Education Trust have set up a steering group with Bedford Borough Council and Big Local. This partnership will enhance delivery and opportunities benefitting the community beyond the funded period of the project.