A brand new tennis court facility operated by St Neots Leisure Centre will officially open to the public on Thursday 26 June 2008. The project cost over £300,000 and was funded by BIG Lottery Funding and Huntingdonshire District Council.
The impressive facility consists of six public courts that are built to Sport England guidelines to ensure everyone can enjoy playing tennis or netball in a safe environment.
There are no membership fees required to use the courts and they can be booked up to 7 days in advance by contacting reception or using an Online Booking service.
As well as public hire, there are a variety of adult tennis sessions which take place on weekday mornings. The coached sessions are only £5 per hour and aimed at developing technique, improving fitness, learning new shots and are suitable for beginners and intermediate players.
Disabled people are encouraged to use the courts as the facility was designed to ensure easy wheelchair access. A free Disability Tennis session takes place every Friday morning which teaches tennis skills to disabled people and how to play if you are in a wheelchair.
During the summer holidays, the Leisure Centre will be offering a programme of beginner and intermediate courses for 6 – 16 year olds at rates subsidised by the BIG Lottery Funding. There are limited spaces available so early booking is advised.
All adult sessions and summer courses will be led by Marceline Winlock, Tennis and Netball Development Officer at St Neots Leisure Centre. Marceline was responsible for setting up the Match Winning Tennis Academy in South Africa as well being involved in tennis development in schools. In 1991, he qualified as a professional coach in England and has also competed on the British tennis circuit.
Councillor Doug Dew, portfolio holder for Leisure Centres said “These are excellent facilities which will help players of all ages to acquire, develop and improve their tennis skills. We look forward to discovering the next British Wimbledon champion on our doorstep”.
For more information about the public tennis courts at St Neots Leisure Centre please contact 01480 388700 or by using the link on the right.