Back in May 2011 the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) and the Tennis Foundation announced that Ferndown Tennis Club in East Dorset was to be 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 following the clubs great efforts to deliver access to free tennis to the whole community and their commitment to do more to engage with new markets making the sport as accessible as possible.
Since the launch of the Beacon the club have been delivering an all inclusive programme to adults and juniors at an affordable rate to encourage them to play the sport. The club has always had a well attended adult programme but with the introduction of new club coach Chris Biddle the numbers have increased with more adult coaching and adult mix ins than ever before.
The junior programme has seen an increase as well due to the busy summer programme of the fun and affordable summer programme linking in with local schools who have been very supportive in promoting and in designing the new club logo.
Head Coach Chris Biddle “Here at Ferndown Tennis Club, receiving 'Beacon Status' has had a huge impact already and created some great opportunities, including exciting innovations such as 'Cardio Tennis', 'Parent and Tots' sessions and new beginners sessions for adults. These all come with free introductory sessions to attract new players and a number of new club rackets are available, so everyone can have a go! 'Kick-Start' funding has been used to give fresh impetus to our fantastic club and Beacon Status has made all of this possible.
LTA Tennis Development Officer for the South West, “Chris and the club have created a brilliant environment for players of any ability to enjoy the game. The club have received over £2500 in revenue funding to support the development of both the adult and junior programme including new sessions such as Cardio Tennis and Back in the Swing sessions for those who haven’t played for a while, more details can be found on the club website.”
“Since the coaching team have been introduced on a more permanent basis the numbers of people accessing the pay and play, the coaching programme and membership have increased which is testament to the hard work and endeavour of the coaches working in such close proximity to other places to play.”
The club are set to run more Cardio Tennis and would invite anyone interested in Cardio Tennis or who wants to know more about the club to check out the website at http://www.ferndowntennisclub.org.uk/