Wanborough Tennis Club has been selected by the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) as a performance centre for Under 10 players – making it the only club in Wiltshire to hold the designation.
The new programme began this month and will give promising young tennis players from across the county access to performance coaching closer to home.
The nearest alternative LTA performance centre is around an hour away, meaning the appointment could reduce the amount of travelling required by families whose children are progressing through the sport.
The designation follows a selection process by the LTA, recognising the quality of coaching at Wanborough and the club’s record of developing young players.
Head Coach Becky Watts will lead the programme. She has been coaching at Wanborough for almost 20 years, during which time the club has developed a number of youngsters who have progressed through county, regional and national pathways.
Among them is an Under 10 national champion, with several other players currently developing through the LTA’s performance structure.
Councillors Matthew Vallender and Matt Hinton recently visited the club to congratulate Becky, the coaching team and club members on the achievement.
Cllr Vallender, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Leisure and Sport, said: “Being recognised by the LTA as a performance centre reflects years of dedication to developing young players and creating opportunities for children to enjoy and excel in sport.
“Having a centre of this calibre in the Borough means talented young tennis players from our communities and across Wiltshire can access elite coaching and development opportunities without having to travel long distances.”
Cllr Matt Hinton, Cabinet Member for Community Engagement, Safety and Services and ward councillor for Chiseldon and Ridgeway, said the designation was significant for a community club.
“For a relatively small community club to achieve this level of recognition is incredibly impressive,” he said.
“Wanborough Tennis Club has built a strong reputation through hard work, ambition and a commitment to supporting young people, and this designation is thoroughly deserved.”
Becky Watts said the LTA appointment was recognition of work that had taken place at the club over many years.
“We’re absolutely delighted to have been appointed as an LTA performance centre for Under 10 players,” she said.
“It’s a huge endorsement of the work that has been taking place at the club over many years and of the dedication shown by our young players and their families.”
She said the club wanted to cater for children whether they were playing recreationally or hoping to progress through the competitive pathway.
“We want to create opportunities for children at every level, whether they want to play once a week with friends or have ambitions of progressing through county, regional and national programmes.”
Club chairman Tim Thurston also credited the work of the club and its partnership with Wanborough Parish Council in developing the facilities.
“We have worked hard as a club and with the Parish Council to create great facilities for Wanborough and Swindon residents and appreciate both Wanborough Parish and Swindon Borough Council’s support with this opportunity,” he said.
The initial agreement with the LTA runs for two years, with the aim of supporting the continued development of junior tennis at the club.
More information about Wanborough Tennis Club is available online.
