Jonathan Davies has hailed Radyr Lawn Tennis Club after they unveiled a host of new facilities.
The investment into the club is the biggest in Welsh sport in 16 years and will now offer year round access at one of Cardiff’s biggest outdoor clubs.
Upgrades to the facility include three artificial turf courts with parameter fencing, seven sets of floodlighting, modernisation of the clubhouse and a new bar.
The work was made possible thanks to a £99,000 loan from the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) and a further £99,000 grant from the sport’s governing body, while the club contributed £130,760 towards the £418,426 total.
And the rugby legend is eager to come and try out the new facilities.
He said: “It’s a fantastic facility that the club now has and with my daughter having tennis lessons here as well I think it will encourage not only me but plenty of other people in the Radyr community to joining and play tennis at the club for years to come.”
LTA Councillor Steve Clarke added: “The significant financial support that the LTA have been able to provide Radyr LTC along with other partners will enable the club to offer more all year round tennis and will no doubt contribute greatly to the increase participation.”
To celebrate the occasion the club put on a free taster day with numerous matches being played on the new courts. The day’s finale saw some of the club officers play an exhibition match with old white balls and wooden rackets.
Despite intermittent rain the new all-weather courts allowed members to continuing playing throughout.
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 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.
To find a playing partner, a local court or coach, register at www.allplaytennis.com