TROWBRIDGE Westbourne tennis club has been crowned as the Wiltshire tennis club of the year.
Westbourne Tennis Club is celebrating a big win at the annual Lawn Tennis Association awards at the County Association AGM, which was held in Marlborough last week.
Chairman of the club, Martin Collyer called the win a significant part in the journey to transform the club.
“Our committee set out a new Vision and Values statement based on a foundation of us being an inclusive, supportive and friendly community, with high quality facilities, and a full range of tennis provision for all ages and standards, whether that be performance, social or coaching,” Martin added.
“It’s a great boost to win the award and a lovely reward for everyone’s hard work” said Sylvia Gilmore, the new club secretary.
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“But what has been really special, is to hear from our members what tennis and our club has done to help them through tricky personal times, to offer them a supportive community and a new healthy positive activity when they’re struggling with whatever life is throwing at them.
“Tennis is a whole family, lifelong sport, we’re proud of everything that we offer and have plans for even more success in 2022.”
In April, the club engaged with a new coach who started its vision, was LTA accredited and was already coaching at Lansdown Tennis Club in Bath.
“The expertise they offer at the Trowbridge Westbourne contributes to the overall mission to offer a pathway into tennis and development for everyone,” the club told the LDRS.
“New members are welcome to try the club free of charge either through coaching taster sessions, a friendly hit with a member, or by joining in at one of seven weekly club sessions.
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“As the club is not-for-profit and run by volunteers, the pricing of membership options can be kept to a minimum.
“Investment has been made, out of club funds, in new LED floodlights which has increased participation all year round.”
A massive amount of work has been done by the club to bond and build membership.
“We have attracted a younger audience via Instagram and used Facebook advertising to reach more families,”said Kay Gilbert, the club’s marketeer and league rep.
“By better explaining to our members how the club operates, we were able to attract more volunteers, encourage more people into our coaching programmes, and increase the number of full members by over 38 per cent.
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“Participation increased by the use of WhatsApp to arrange club sessions and friendly games.
“With tennis being a safe outdoor sport, more people have dusted off their rackets, and having Emma Raducanu win the US Open and other British success this year also really boosted interest in our sport.
“We’ve had some great fun playing social competitions and box league singles matches run by Reg McGarry; a large more inclusive club closed tournament in the summer and outstanding success in the Chippenham and District League.
“We are one of the largest clubs participating in the league with a huge number of our members taking part in matches across 11 teams in the summer.
“We won an impressive six league titles this year, including the Mixed first division trophy which the club hasn’t won for over 40 years!”
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