Swindon could be serving up the next Andy Murray or Johanna Konta after leisure centre managers Better spent £140,000 on improvements at Delta Centre in Westlea.
There are four indoor and three outdoor floodlit courts offering all year round tennis. Staff believe the resurfacing of the outdoor courts and fitting of new indoor lighting, coinciding with Andy and Johanna’s performances on the world stage, as well as Britain’s Olympic success, has led to increased interest in the sport.
Numbers taking part in the popular weekly tennis programme have increased by 240 per cent over the past 18 months and now stand at 400, with the centre hosting more than 50,000 annual visits to its courts.
The programme of tennis activities has also expanded to include everything from basic court hire, to individual coaching, competitions, tennis leagues and a ‘Tennis for Kids’ initiative.
Delta is piloting a national first - a Tennis Apprenticeship Scheme - where participants earn the national living wage, learn more about the sport and its delivery, whilst acquiring key business skills to prepare them for a long-term career within tennis.
Andrew Sutherland, Delta Centre manager said: “Tennis is a fantastic, year-round sport that can be enjoyed by anyone regardless of age or fitness level. It’s also really social and a great way to meet and keep up with friends while keeping fit and active.”
Find out more at: www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/swindon
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