FOUNDED in 1914, Bridgend Tennis Club in the Newbridge Fields area is benefitting from an ambitious £400k redevelopment project – the first of its kind in the County.
Transforming the locally-loved club, the new developments will increase opportunities for players in Bridgend and beyond by introducing year-round facilities to train and play without relying on the weather.
With the addition of two indoor courts, the club plans to host a wider variety of sessions to inspire all members of the community to get active – welcoming sports enthusiasts from across the County, and the wider south Wales area.
Located within a ‘bubble’ air hall – similar to the internationally renowned hall at the National Tennis Centre in Roehampton – the courts will introduce a curated and bespoke space for year-round playing.
They are set to become a hub for the local tennis community to thrive and develop by supplying a safe space for all ages and abilities to pick up a racquet, and channel their inner tennis star.
The new courts will also focus on introducing a comprehensive disability tennis programme – the grounds surrounding the new court’s location have already been re-worked to ensure accessibility for those with disabilities.
Mark Thomas, the new head of the coaching programme at Bridgend Tennis Club said: “There are currently only 30 permanent under cover tennis courts across Wales, and we are proud to be leading the way for opening up tennis across the Bridgend County Borough.
“With around 270 adults and 350 juniors taking part in tennis at the club each week, the redevelopment of courts at the club will provide a positive environment where local sports players can continue to thrive – whatever their age, experience or ability.
“The new sessions will include regular opportunities for disability players to get on the court and experience a bespoke coaching plan, as the courts are wheelchair friendly and coaching staff are fully trained in offering wheelchair tennis training.”
Following the redevelopments, the club will not only introduce an updated coaching programme but will have the opportunity get the (tennis) ball rolling on a wider facility development plan for Bridgend Tennis Club.
Mark continued: “This is just the beginning of our wider plan for the club, and we’re thrilled to have such a strong start. We’re so thankful to the large number of committed volunteers that have helped develop and oversee the delivery of the club’s transformation thus far.”
The club has outlined that it will attract 1,600 players to the club by 2024 and are already ahead of projected targets.
Ed Wilkins, Board Chair said: ”It has been incredible to be a part of the changes over the years, but this definitely one of the most exciting developments that the club has ever seen.
“Through the hard work of everyone at the club, and within the local community, we’ve been able to see how important the redevelopments are to the people of Bridgend. The next generation of players within the community will have such fantastic opportunities to grow and play – who knows, we might even produce the next Emma Raducanu!”
Following an extremely successful summer period with over 1,200 members attending the club during the summer holidays, the club are preparing to welcome more players with the arrival of the redevelopments.
Jamie Clewer, Head of Participation at Tennis Wales, added: “The redevelopments at Bridgend Tennis Club are a fantastic opportunity for the local community, and we’re confident it will lead to a boost in tennis participation across Bridgend.
“We’re looking forward to seeing more tennis players get their start at the club, and to the continued success of the excellent coaching programme. I’d like to thank and congratulate the club committee and numerous volunteers for their dedication and hard work to deliver this exciting project.”
Those interested in learning more about the re-developments and the club can do so here – http://www.bridgendtennis.club/
