Tuesday 18 March 2008
Kippen Tennis Club near Stirling is set to receive a sportscotland investment of £18,000 to assist with the extension and upgrade of the two existing tennis courts. The upgrade will extend the total court area at the club to meet the Lawn Tennis Association's (LTA) recommended sizes and also allow up to eight mini-tennis courts to be provided within the new extended courts.
The club recognised their existing courts were coming to the end of their life but to allow the club to continue to provide tennis facilities for the local community the courts required not only to be refurbished but extended to meet current recommended sizes. The upgraded courts will see the club continue its role as the central hub for tennis in the local area allowing them to expand and develop their activities. In addition there is a growing demand for children's tennis within the club and the mini-tennis courts in particular will cater for this.
The club will also provide tennis activities as part of the Kippen Youth Project. The project provides different sporting activities for 12-18 year olds in Kippen, many of whom are unable to travel to use facilities in Stirling.
This successful community club has over 127 members not only serving Kippen but the surrounding areas of Thornhill, Gargunnock, Buchlyvie, Fintry and beyond. The club has developed their activities over a number of years and currently run professional coaching, club competitions for seniors and juniors and participation in local tennis leagues. The total project cost is £36,000 with £18,000 from sportscotland, £11,000 from Stirling Council and the remainder from club funds.
Mark Quinn, President, Kippen Tennis Club said: "The club is delighted to be receiving financial assistance from sportscotland for this project. The award will not only help preserve but will enhance this important community facility."
Stewart Harris, Chief Executive, sportscotland said: "sportscotland is delighted to provide this investment of £18,000 to Kippen Tennis Club to upgrade its courts. This investment demonstrates our commitment to helping communities provide quality, accessible facilities that meet their local priorities. This is vital if sport is to thrive across Scotland.
"The upgraded courts will allow the club to expand and develop its activities ensuring that all members of the community have the opportunity to participate and in particular benefiting local young people."
- Launched in March 2004, the Building for Sport Programme (BfS) is divided into two strands: Community Facilities and Training and Competition Facilities.
- Applications for the Community Facilities Programme covers the provision or upgrading of facilities for the local community.
- The Training and Competition Facilities Programme concentrates on the provision or upgrading of centres designated as a national or regional facility by the relevant national governing body for sport.
sportscotland Building for Sport Programme - March 2008
Community Facilities Strand
Applicant: Kippen Tennis Club
Project Title: Court upgrade
Award: £18,000
Contact for Press: Mark Quinn, President
Tel: 01786 871246
Upgrade of two tennis court to extend the court area to meet LTA's minimum recommended sizes including eight mini-tennis courts to be lined out over the two full-sized courts.
