Woore Tennis Club: building for the future
Michael Downey, Chief Executive Officer of the Lawn Tennis Association, spent two days in Shropshire last week, during which time he visited the new site of Woore Tennis Club (WTC).
Established in 1983, WTC leased a court in the grounds of the local Manor House. The house was sold in 2013, since when the club has operated from a temporary home.
In April 2014 the club secured a site in the centre of the village, adjacent to Woore Victory Hall and, following receipt of planning permission in autumn 2014, plans to construct two tennis courts with floodlights.
Shropshire Council’s leisure services have been supporting WTC with their Sport England Inspired Facilities application, in order to fund the new facility.
Mandy Joyce, Chairman of WTC, said:
“The groundswell of support from club members and the local community has been fantastic. With their support we have raised almost £24,000 through fundraising events alone since last April. However, a further £75,000 is needed before building can commence. We are currently awaiting the outcome of a Sport England bid, and hope to hear by the end of April 2015 whether we have been successful in this very competitive bidding process for a share of a limited pot of money.”
Despite having no permanent home, WTC has maintained its 100+ membership and, in fact, grew numbers by 10% during the year. The club has ambitious plans to encourage participation in tennis, particularly amongst local schoolpupils, young adults and their parents. There will be an increased focus on coaching and competitions, and the aim is to facilitate exercise, through tennis, as part of a healthy lifestyle.
Michael Downey and Chris Hinks, Head of Shropshire LTA, are both very positive about the club’s plans. Michael said:
“I’m very impressed with the energy and commitment of the team here. To sustain this level of membership, activity and fundraising without a club facility is remarkable. I wish WTC every success.”
The next phase of the project will include refurbishment of the existing stable block into changing and toilet facilities: this will require further fundraising and another round of bidding for funds.
Photograph shows (l-r): Richard Arkle (Woore Tennis Club), Sue Titley (WTC), Mandy Joyce (Chairman, WTC), Nigel Hunter (County Coaching Director, Tennis Shropshire), Michael Downey (Chief Executive, LTA), Tina Erskine (WTC), Chris Hinks (Chairman, Tennis Shropshire)
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