Surrey Heath’s new Mayor joined members of the local community at a free tennis event at a sunny Watchetts Recreation Ground at the weekend.
Dozens of local people of all ages took the opportunity to ‘Give Tennis A Go’ at the event, which was part of Barclays Big Tennis Weekend, in partnership with the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA).
The free taster sessions at the high-quality courts at Watchetts in Camberley were a smashing way to allow children aged 4-15 and adults of all abilities to try tennis in a fun and supportive environment. Free coaching was also on offer from the National Tennis Association (NTA).
Representatives from the LTA were also at the well-attended event, which coincided with the NTA officially taking over the management of the parks tennis courts in Surrey Heath.
Mayor of Surrey Heath, Cllr Louise Ashbery said: “This brilliant free event was a great way to encourage local people both young and old to give tennis a go, enjoy themselves and get active.
“We have such great tennis facilities in the borough, I would encourage as many people as possible to make the most of them – especially in this lovely weather!”
Parks tennis courts across Surrey Heath are in great shape, following three venues being renovated in 2023 through a partnership between the council and the UK Government and LTA Tennis Foundation's Park Tennis Project. Courts at Watchetts, Mytchett and Frimley Green Recreation Grounds were transformed via an investment of nearly £185,000, delivered by the LTA.
All court surfaces were resurfaced, and improved court accessibility was introduced with new gate-access technology and booking systems. This technology is also in place at the courts at London Road Recreation Ground.
It’s easy to book a court online for ‘pay and play’ at any time, or people can sign up for a fantastic value Annual Pass at just £45 a year. This allows an entire household of up to five people a year’s worth of tennis across all four venues! There’s also a beginners Local Tennis League at Watchetts Recreation Ground for those looking to play fun matches against players of a similar standard.
All courts and sessions at all four sites are available to book online via the Surrey Heath Parks Tennis LTA website.
Surrey Heath Portfolio Holder for Environment and Recreation, Cllr Morgan Rise said: “We are proud of our excellent parks tennis facilities in Surrey Heath, which have been transformed by the LTA investment programme.
“Improving access to sporting facilities for all is a key part of our priority of Promoting Healthier and More Inclusive Communities, and our partnerships with the LTA and the NTA are an important element in achieving this aim.
“I’d like to thank the NTA and LTA for their part in organising the free tennis sessions at Watchetts at the weekend – the fact so many people came along shows the potential of the sport locally for getting active and having fun.
“And you never know, we could find the next Jack Draper or Katie Boulter among those giving tennis a go in Surrey Heath!”
Through the Parks Tennis Project, the LTA is delivering the biggest ever investment in parks tennis facilities across Britain, including the courts in Surrey Heath, providing a significant boost to sporting facilities.
This nationwide programme of investment is seeing thousands of existing park tennis courts in poor or unplayable condition brought back to life for the benefit of communities across the country, providing vital opportunities for children and adults to get active.
Josh Gook, Head of Growth at National Tennis Association, said: “We are delighted to be collaborating with the council and the LTA to launch this fantastic community project in Surrey Heath.
“With multiple facilities and options to choose from you can play tennis from just £45 for a year for an entire household. Only 12p a day!
“Our goal is to engage with the local community and provide local and affordable options for anyone wishing to participate in tennis. Whether that is with friends, organised coaching, tennis leagues or free parks tennis, there will be something for everyone in Surrey Heath. We look forward to seeing the courts busy this summer and beyond.”
Scott Lloyd, LTA Chief Executive, said: “We’re delighted to see park tennis courts across Surrey Heath in better shape than ever.
“Park tennis courts are vital for providing people with opportunities to pick up a racket, and we want as many people as possible, of all ages, abilities and backgrounds, to enjoy playing tennis and being active. Thanks to the investment made, the sport will be opened up to more players, for years to come.”