Serving up improvements at Leek Tennis Club

Work has started to improve the condition of the courts at Leek Tennis Club to increase their usability and encourage more people to take up physical activity.

Investing in sporting and leisure facilities to help boost wellbeing is a priority for Staffordshire Moorlands District Council. The Move More strategy aims to get everyone across the Moorlands moving more every day and to provide greater support to those that need it most.

In Leek, the Council has provided the tennis club with grant funding of £11,500 towards a £30,000 scheme to install an artificial grass surface at one court and refurbish two other courts.

The Club has seen an influx in older players and there is a developing relationship with the local U3A whose members are often found on the tennis courts.

The Club also runs a Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) youth programme for children aged 6 to 11; offers summer holiday activities for children; and works closely with two local schools to provide tennis coaching sessions.

Councillor Matt Swindlehurst, Cabinet member for Leisure and Tourism, said:

“Moving more every day has a positive impact on physical and mental health and is something we and our partners are encouraging people across the District to build into their daily habits and routines.

“Taking part in recreational tennis is one of the ways people can increase their activity levels – and the Council can provide financial support to help clubs and organisations improve their facilities to broaden their appeal to a wider range of people.

“The funding we’ve provided to Leek Tennis Club means they can replace a tarmacadam court surface with artificial grass to reduce the impact of the players who use the court – especially those who suffer with joint pain and older people.

“I hope that by investing in these improvements we’ll see more people – of all ages – out on court enjoying the facilities.”

People wishing to use the facilities at the Park Road site can book online via their website on a pay and play basis or join the club.

A number of membership options are available.

Pictured - Frank Murray and Councillor Matt Swindlehurst (front of net) with some of the users of the tennis club.