The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) and the Tennis Foundation have announced that Brunel University Tennis Club has been awarded ‘Beacon’ status, as part of a drive to increase access to tennis in parks and communities nationwide.
Brunel is the first university to achieve the national accolade, among 200 sites across the country.
The Beacon award recognises the best community-focused facilities offering free and affordable tennis under the AEGON Parks Tennis programme. Facilities must also offer access to quality, affordable coaching as well as regular competitions for all ages and abilities.
John Love, Tennis Development Officer for Middlesex, said: “We are delighted to award Brunel University Beacon status, which recognises the quality of the community tennis opportunities they provide. It is fantastic to see that this programme has increased participation across the local community by offering affordable coaching and unlimited free access to the courts.”
The Vice-Chancellor Professor Chris Jenks also praised the University's tennis provision: "The University now boasts some quality tennis facilities with a programme of activity which promotes accessible and affordable facilities to both students and the wider community, irrespective of age or ability.
"Brunel is home to many sports, and it has just been confirmed that the Olympic Torch will be carried through the University campus on 24 July during our Graduation week. This will be a great opportunity for the local community to share in what education and sport can achieve."
Brunel was also one of 14 UK universities to join the Tennis Foundation’s University Tennis Coordinator Programme, with the aim of growing the game across the higher education sector. Tom Gibbins, Head of Education at the Tennis Foundation, praised Brunel's Coordinator Claire Ricketts for her role in achieving 'Beacon' status for Brunel, and added: “This award is in recognition of the great work that Brunel University Tennis Club is doing to promote the sport for students, staff and the local community.”
Delivered by the LTA and the Tennis Foundation, AEGON Parks Tennis is a key programme in British tennis’ drive to increase participation and grow tennis at all levels. The long-term aim is to have an AEGON Parks Tennis site acting as a centre for community tennis excellence in each of the local authority areas in Britain.
To find a playing partner, a local court or coach, register at www.allplaytennis.com.
Notes to editors
For more information contact Katie Leach, LTA Marketing and PR Manager: 07947 566 291, katie.leach@lta.org.uk
- The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) is the national governing body for British tennis. Its goal is to grow and sustain the sport.
- The Tennis Foundation (TF) is Great Britain's leading tennis charity and its vision is a sport which is inclusive and accessible to every kind of community. The TF is working closely with the LTA and a wide range of partners from across all sectors to deliver this vision.
- Beacons are accredited sites which make up the AEGON Parks Tennis programme. A Beacon site provides a quality programme which is affordable and offers some free tennis opportunities for the local community.
- AEGON Parks Tennis, delivered by the LTA in partnership with the TF, is helping to increase access to tennis in parks and local communities.
- AEGON is Lead Partner of British Tennis, and supports the game at all levels from grassroots programmes such as AEGON Schools Tennis and AEGON Parks Tennis, through to supporting British talent in the AEGON FutureStars programme and Team AEGON. It is also title sponsor for the AEGON Classic, International and Championships at Queen’s Club. For further information visit www.aegontennis.co.uk.