Verdict on tennis centre: It’s ace

FORMER British number one Greg Rusedski has formally opened a new, state-of-the-art indoor tennis centre at Stafford Sports College.

The US Open runner-up hit the first rally and cut the ribbon on three new courts, built following a £490,000 grant from the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) and Sport England.

He joined LTA Chief executive Roger Draper and Jeremy Lefroy, MP for Stafford, for a tour of the centre, which also includes a viewing gallery and offices before declaring it open.

It is hoped the new facilities will help foster a new breed of top tennis players in Staffordshire.

Mr Rusedski said: “The great thing about this new indoor facility is that it will allow kids and adults to play tennis all year round, and in all weathers.

“And because of the school’s strong links with the local community, the programme here is going to benefit the whole area, not just the college.†The new indoor courts will allow the college to offer more competitions, talent road shows, mini tennis and “Cardio Tennis†sessions.

It will also link up with High Performance Centres in Loughborough and Edgbaston Priory Club - giving Staffordshire players further opportunities to develop their skills.

Dr Rowena Blencoe, Stafford Sports College head teacher said: “We aim to see the centre used seven days a week, ranging from tennis red to an elite squad of county players. It will also raise aspirations and contribute to positive regeneration of the local community.†Roger Draper, LTA Chief Executive, said the investment will deliver the maximum return for British Tennis through more people playing and more hours on the court.

He said: “These world class indoor facilities will benefit not only the college, but the whole community in Stafford, ensuring that kids and adults have access to affordable local tennis programmes and the opportunity to play tennis regularly, all year round.

“This also supports our ongoing work with the Tennis Foundation to boost school-club links, which has been a real success in recent years.†Jeremy Lefroy, MP for Stafford, said the new centre offers plenty of opportunities for local people.

“I think the facilities here at Stafford Sports College are tremendous,†he said.

“Tennis is a sport for everybody so I am delighted that this state-of-the-art indoor tennis centre will be open to everybody.â€